The Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census is available for free download at ala.org/census.
The Guide contains practical information to assist library staff in addressing potential patron and community requests regarding the upcoming 2020 Census.
As the 2020 Census approaches ALA has begun providing helpful information about the role libraries across the country will play in achieving a complete count. The activities surrounding the upcoming Census will likely lead to increased traffic in libraries and in particular libraries in small and rural communities with limited internet access. A complete count is important to ensure funding for our communities resources, like libraries.
All libraries are encouraged to read this guide and make note of pertinent information. For example on page three you will find a step by step process for the 2020 Census. Of particular interest is Step 2, which details how responses will be solicited. On page four you will find a description of how response collection will take place in rural areas, of which New Mexico has many. A timeline of Census activities can be found on page five. Page nine addresses libraries directly and emphasizes that libraries can expect increased Internet/computer usage as people are encouraged to respond to the Census questions online and not everyone has a reliable internet connection at home. Additional online resources can be found on page 14.
ALA plans to provide additional resources for library practitioners in the months leading up to Census Day on April 1, 2020.
