The HAPLR index rates public library services comparatively in a variety of ways, including among libraries of similar size, among libraries whose service area populations fall inside the same range, between the public library performance records of different states, and more.

The statistics are based on those collected by the states and collated by none other than the federal Dept. of Ed., but the HAPLR scores are done by a private group. The interests of accuracy compel me to note that individual libraries are only rated if they submit their individual statistics independently to the HAPLR people.

Currently, [sarc] I'm proud to say [/sarc], the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently ranks 40th out of 51 (DC has a rating) in overall quality of library services available to its citizens. But wait! California rates 43rd.

I'm chalking that up to PA being really tight with a nickel and CA being almost broke. Still, how does it feel to be lower on the totem pole than West Virginia, the poster state for Appalachia?

Good news, though: Texas, the state where no child gets left behind, is 44th.

Regards--
Mary Anne