The mission of a public library is to provide the best service possible to its community. Output measures—which are often per capita statistics—give an individual’s perspective on the services libraries provide. The 6 output measures used here as performance measures are (in no particular order):
- Registration as Percentage of Population
- Library Visits per Capita
- Reference Questions per Capita
- Program Attendance per 1,000 Served
- Circulation per Capita
- Circulation Turnover Rate
Looking at 2004 data on these 6 measures for 5 population categories statewide, many public libraries stand out. Twelve of 114 public libraries came to the forefront, one by ranking in the top 3 in its population group on every measure and the other by ranking in the top 3 on 3 or more measures.
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