Thank You Library Users! AADL again awarded 5 stars in Library Journal's Star Libraries Report!

Mon, 10/18/2010 - 4:02pm by eli

Thanks to the patrons of the Ann Arbor District Library who continue to use their library in astonishing numbers, AADL has once again been named by Library Journal as one of the top libraries in the country!

The journal’s annual survey, America’s Star Libraries, recognizing the libraries that are the most heavily used by their communities, has again awarded its top ranking – 5 stars – to the Ann Arbor District Library. AADL was one of only two libraries in Michigan receiving kudos by the journal (Kent County received 3 stars) and was one of only 85 libraries throughout the U.S. to receive the highest 5 star ranking. This is the third time that AADL has received this honor.

High patron usage per capita - circulation transactions (checkouts and renewals); visits to library buildings; public Internet terminal usage and program attendance – form the basis for America’s Star Libraries rankings, and AADL would like to take this opportunity to thank its patrons for their enthusiastic use and continued support.

Traditionally, many public library decision-makers have focused on circulation alone as the performance indicator for a successful library. Today, the full range of library services now includes electronic access, facilities use, and programming. Recognizing this, Library Journal uses these statistics in calculating America’s Star Libraries. Top libraries are organized into star tiers, much like the Michelin guide, for example, with five, four, or three stars. Libraries are scored in key service areas in relation to other peer libraries based on total operating expenditures for the library rather than on population.

The 2010 survey was based on data reported to Institute of Museum and Library Services for 2008 and, since this data was collected, AADL’s service statistics have risen dramatically.

AADL had total checkouts and renewals that year of 8.2 million (rising to 9.1 million this past year – an 11 % increase); visits to library buildings of 1.6 million (1.8 million this past year – a 7.5 % increase); public Internet terminal usage of 259,338 (281,310 this past year – an 8.5 % increase) and attendance at programs of 52,891 (62,584 this past year – an 18.3 % increase).

AADL patrons truly support their library and the services that it offers – the statistics attest to this fact – and this outstanding support has made AADL one of the top libraries in the country.

For more information about Library Journal’s, America’s Star Libraries, visit http://libraryjournal.com.