CHECH OUT THE THIS YEAR'S RESULTS HERE.

An initiative jointly sponsored by the Utah Library Association, Utah Educational Library Media Association, Utah Academic Library Consortium, and the Utah State Library Division.

Thank You to the New Jersey Library Association, the New Jersey State Library, and the American Library Association for providing much of the content for this site.

What is the UTAH LIBRARY SNAPSHOT 2011?

In April 2011, the entire library community across the beehive state -- academic, public, bookmobiles, school, and special libraries -- are invited to record with stories, photographs, and statistics the indisputable proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services to our constituents.  The information you gather will allow us to document the positive impact libraries services make every day in communities statewide.

Why should I participate? What's in it for me?

Consider these questions: What if libraries went away? What would the impact be on the people you serve? What would happen if there was no library? Our libraries are busier than ever, providing awesome services in challenging economic times, however, our funding sources and constituents may not know this fact. We can document the vital services libraries offer every day with statistics, stories and photographs “a day in the life” of the library. Tell your library story and prove your value!

What do I need to do?

Assign one staff person to be the "leader". This “leader” will be responsible for printing and distributing survey forms and comment cards to front-line staff and explaining how to record activities for the day. The leader can be photographer for the day or can organize other staff to take photos. When the SNAPSHOT is completed -- when the day is over – the leader will compile all the data gathered. The leader will enter total statistics and testimonials for the library to the online survey, and will upload the photos to flickr®. Just follow these SIX EASY STEPS:

• STEP 1 - Prepare your staff: Involve everyone from the beginning, and teach them what Snapshot 2011 is all about.  Make an organizational commitment to participate, ask staff how your library can get involved and succeed in capturing a SNAPSHOT that expresses the spirit of your library.

• STEP 2 - Collect Statistics: We recommend that you print out this data collection form and have a copy available at every service point. Use one of these Templates & Graphics.

• STEP 3 - Collect Feedback and Testimonials from Library Users: Ask your patrons, students and clients to write down in the postcard-sized comment cards what difference the library makes in their lives. Use one of these forms.

• STEP 4 - Capture Images of Your Users: Ask permission to take pictures of your patrons and students using the library. Remember to get a signed photo release, here's a sample you can customize.

• STEP 5 - Enter your Statistics and Testimonials
  

• STEP 6 - Upload your photos to flickr®: The login, password, and step-by-step directions describing how to upload photos are here or download the pdf.

When Should I have my SNAPSHOT day?

We recommend that you collect your statistics, user testimonials, and photographs on one target date between April 4-22, 2011.  Take into consideration your library's schedule and circumstances. Remember that Utah's "Love Your Library Week" coincides with National Library Week held April 10-16. These celebrations should generate excitement and anticipation as the target date approaches, and unify the diverse libraries in the state as they work towards a common goal.

Do I need to have a special activity or library program on SNAPSHOT day?

In 2008, Governor Huntsman signed a concurrent resolution of the Legislature designating "Love Your Library Week" in the State of Utah. To celebrate Utah's "Love Your Library Week" and National Library Week you may want to create a special display, conduct a library tour, or hold a family storytime.  Remember, the goal of SNAPSHOT 2011 is to capture the statistics, user testimonials, and photographs that accurately portray a day in the life of your library.  Here are some ideas of activities from other libraries around the country.

What other resources can I use to prepare for my SNAPSHOT?

A collection of forms, templates, logos, and graphics can be found in the Templates & Graphics page of this website. Also, you can view a recording of the Library Snapshot Day webinar conducted by the American Library Association HERE.

When can I see the results of SNAPSHOT 2011?

• After April 22, 2011 visit the Utah Libraries Snapshot 2011 flicker photostream for cool pictures of library activity around the state and visit the SNAPSHOT Results page to check out a day in the life of Utah libraries...

Who can I contact for more information?

• Jeri Openshaw, Utah State Library Division 801-715-6737 jerio@utah.gov
• Juan Tomás Lee, Utah State Library Division 801-715-6769 jtlee@utah.gov 

Committee members for Utah Libraries Snapshot 2011 included:

• Andy Spackman, Utah Library Association & Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University 
• Debbie Ehrman, Utah Library Association & Salt Lake City Public Library
• Donna Jones Morris, Utah State Library Division
• Jeri Openshaw, Utah State Library Division
• Juan Tomás Lee, Utah State Library Division
• Kim Rollins, Utah Academic Library Consortium
• Special Libraries in Utah