The Library Journal recently rated libraries across the nation, based on real usage as measured by the “LJ Index” – an assessment tool for public libraries. The four categories used in the analysis included:
- the number of times an average individual visited the library
- the average number of items checked out by an individual
- per-person program attendance
- the number of times an average individual used a library computer terminal
With 16 libraries earning three to five ”stars”, Kansas (along with California) ranked third in the country, exceeded only by New York in first place and Ohio in second. Peter Haxton, State Data Center Coordinator, was not surprised by the announcement. “Kansas has quality libraries and, because of that, Kansans use their libraries significantly.”
Two libraries in Northeast Kansas earned 4-star ratings: Johnson County Library in Overland Park and Seneca Free Library in Seneca (shown above).
Teri Nelson is the Staff Assistant at NEKLS. You can reach her by email (tnelson (at) nekls.org), phone, or on the Google Chat instant messaging platform (look Teri up by her email address). Visit the 
