Assessment

THE 2016 NEW MEXICO LIBRARIES ASSESSMENT

After soliciting proposals through a competitive RFP process, the New Mexico Library Foundation (NMLF) hired an independent consultant to conduct a statewide New Mexico Libraries Assessment.

The goal of the project was to identify the current state of the New Mexico school, public, tribal, academic and special library sectors. This assessment offered an extraordinary opportunity for New Mexico’s libraries to provide comprehensive input about their current and future needs. Data was gathered via an online survey widely distributed New Mexico library directors throughout the state, and at several community conversations and focus groups hosting participation by community and library leaders. The assessment includes a review and analysis of existing literature and data about all types of New Mexico libraries. A report documenting the outcomes of the assessment was and subsequently shared with the public at the New Mexico Library Association Annual Conference in November 2016.

PRESS RELEASE: 2016 NEW MEXICO LIBRARIES ASSESSMENT

The New Mexico Library Foundation has just released the 2016 New Mexico Libraries Assessment. Conducted earlier this year, this comprehensive report examines the current state of New Mexico’s public, tribal, school, academic and special libraries.

In 2015, the New Mexico legislature formally expressed support for the assessment. “We are extremely pleased to be providing these results to New Mexico residents and decision makers,” said Carol Hoover, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Library Foundation. “The assessment’s findings clearly show the essential role that libraries of all types play in the health of our state, and outline key areas where there are critical needs to be addressed.”

Key findings of the assessment include the following:

• • New Mexico’s library landscape is unique, rich and diverse. Reflecting the state’s remarkable geography, history and demographics, New Mexico’s libraries are a priceless asset.

  • Adequate funding is a critical issue for virtually all New Mexico libraries, because the existing funding mechanisms do not generate enough support. Although New Mexico libraries benefit from an array of funding streams, all have challenges and collectively they do not provide what is needed for libraries of all types to thrive.

  • 88% of New Mexico libraries reported shrinking or flat budgets in the last three years, yet 92% say their expenses have increased or stayed the same. Each year, inflation eats away at library budgets, making it difficult for libraries to avoid cutting services.

  • 89% of New Mexico libraries reported challenges in providing relevant, high-quality collections, 87% reported having inadequate staffing and 95% reported having one or more facilities- related challenges.

  • Libraries strive to bridge the digital divide and to keep up with advancing technology, but are held back by lack of broadband access, outdated hardware and limited e-resources. 40% of New Mexico libraries reported that they do not offer broadband internet service and only 7% reported having no technology issues at their library.

Despite the many challenges they face, New Mexico libraries can take pride in their many achievements.

In the last five years, a significant number of New Mexico libraries have added new services, such as makerspaces, support for job seekers, computer literacy training and library programming. 96% of all libraries reported that their services support student success, 86% reported supporting lifelong learning and 64% indicated that their library preserves resources and cultural assets.

Conducted by national library consultant Penny Hummel, the assessment included a statewide library survey, as well as focus groups and public community conversations held in several locations across the state. 269 New Mexico libraries participated in the survey, which included 67% of New Mexico’s academic libraries and 84% of its tribal and public libraries, as well as librarians representing 19 school districts and 12 special libraries. With the exception of Catron, Harding and Mora counties, all New Mexico counties were represented by at least one library in the survey.

Data from the assessment will inform a statewide conference on November 1, Libraries Transform New Mexico, which will gather together 100 New Mexico stakeholders including legislators, policymakers, community leaders, librarians, library supporters/patrons and members of the general public. This event will be an exciting opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of New Mexico libraries and, more importantly, to identify ways libraries can further expand as collaborative partners with educational institutions, cultural organizations, government services and private enterprise.