Annual Survey of B.C. Public Libraries 2021 Question List

Why the Survey Matters

The Annual Survey of B.C. Public Libraries is a key tool that enables the Ministry of Citizens Services, Library Associations, and individual libraries to capture a consistent snapshot of library operations across British Columbia. The data collected inform funding decisions, shape provincial policy, and help libraries benchmark their services against peers. The 2021 questionnaire reflects changes that arose from the COVID19 pandemic, the growth of digital resources, and evolving community needs.

Structure of the 2021 Questionnaire

The 2021 questionnaire is organized into six major sections, each targeting a specific aspect of library service delivery:

1. Library Profile

This section gathers basic identification data, including library name, municipal affiliation, service area population, and staffing levels. It also asks about governance structures, such as whether the library is operated directly by a municipality, a regional district, or a partnership.

2. Collections

Here, libraries report counts for print and electronic items, acquisition budgets, and collection development policies. New questions focus on the proportion of items that are Indigenousfocused and the strategies used to acquire ebooks and digital audiobooks.

3. Services & Programs

This section explores the range of programs offeredchildrens storytimes, teen gaming nights, senior tech workshops, and more. For 2021, a special emphasis is placed on virtual programming, hybrid delivery models, and outreach to underserved groups.

4. Facilities & Technology

Libraries provide information on building size, renovation projects, WiFi capacity, public computer availability, and assistive technologies for patrons with disabilities. The questionnaire also asks about the implementation of selfcheckout kiosks and contactless payment options.

5. Staffing & Professional Development

Data about fulltime, parttime, and volunteer staff are collected, along with details on training hours, certification, and staff retention rates. The 2021 list includes questions on remote work policies and mentalhealth support for employees.

6. Finance & Funding

Financial questions capture total operating budgets, sources of revenue (municipal, provincial, grant, fundraising), and expenditure categories. New items ask libraries to break down pandemicrelated costs, such as sanitisation supplies and digital platform licences.

Key Questions in Each Section

Below is a representative sample of the most significant questions that appear in the 2021 questionnaire.

How Data Are Used

Once collected, the survey data flow through several channels:

• Provincial Reporting: The Ministry compiles provincewide statistics that appear in the annual B.C. Public Library Statistics Report.
• Funding Allocation: Funding formulas consider percapita circulation, digital resource spending, and program reach, making accurate reporting essential for equitable budget distribution.
• Strategic Planning: Libraries use benchmark data to set goals, track progress on strategic priorities such as Indigenous programming, digital inclusion, and community outreach.
• Research & Advocacy: Scholars and library advocates reference the data to illustrate trends, justify policy changes, and secure external grants.

Challenges Highlighted by the 2021 Survey

The 2021 questionnaire was the first to capture the full impact of the pandemic on library operations. Some of the most notable challenges reported include:

• Rapid Shift to Virtual Services: Over 80% of libraries launched new online programming within the first three months of 2020, stretching staff capacity.
• Digital Resource Strain: Licensing costs for ebooks and streaming media increased dramatically, while demand for remote access surged.
• Physical Space Limitations: Socialdistancing requirements reduced inlibrary seating by up to 50%, prompting many branches to redesign floor plans.
• Staff WellBeing: Survey responses indicate higher levels of stress and burnout, with many libraries reporting the need for additional mentalhealth resources.

Best Practices Identified in 2021

Despite the hurdles, many libraries showcased innovative responses that are now recommended as best practices:

• Hybrid Programming Models: Combining live Zoom sessions with recorded content extended reach to patrons who could not attend in person.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with schools, Indigenous organizations, and health agencies amplified resource sharing and outreach.
• MicroGrants for Digital Access: Small, targeted grants helped patrons obtain devices or internet subscriptions, narrowing the digital divide.
• Enhanced Safety Protocols: Transparent cleaning schedules, signage, and contactless checkout fostered patron confidence.

Looking Ahead: 2022 and Beyond

The insights from the 2021 questionnaire are already influencing the design of the 2022 survey. Anticipated enhancements include:

• More granular questions on environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Expanded metrics on collaborative programming across municipal boundaries.
• Questions about the longterm adoption of AIdriven recommendation engines.
• Additional focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes.

By continuously refining the survey, B.C.s library system aims to stay responsive to emerging trends while preserving the core mission of free and open access to information.

How Libraries Can Prepare for the Survey

Effective preparation makes completing the questionnaire smoother and ensures accurate reporting:

1. Designate a Lead: Assign a staff memberoften the Director or Statistics Coordinatorto own the data collection process.
2. Gather Source Documents: Compile annual reports, circulation logs, financial statements, and program attendance records early in the fiscal year.
3. Validate Data: Crosscheck numbers with the librarys Integrated Library System (ILS) and accounting software to avoid inconsistencies.
4. Engage Staff: Hold a short briefing to explain the purpose of each section and collect missing information, especially for volunteer hours and remotework statistics.
5. Use the Draft Form: The Ministry provides a draft version of the questionnaire; completing a trial run helps identify gaps before the final submission.
6. Submit On Time: The deadline for the 2021 survey was March312022. Deadlines are typically communicated via email and the B.C. Libraries website.

Resources and Further Reading

• Official 2021 Survey Documentation (PDF)
• Annual Report of B.C. Public Libraries 2021
• Research Brief on 2021 Library Trends
• Guidelines for Indigenous Collections Development
• Webinar: Preparing for the Annual Survey