Public libraries play an important role in the 2020 Census by serving as Questionnaire Assistance Centers. The State Library Services provided census workshops and resources to libraries to help patrons complete their census forms. Originally, 345 Minnesota libraries registered as Questionnaire Assistance Centers, providing coverage in all counties. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have had to change their census assistance plans and focus on curbside delivery, hotspot lending, and collaboration with schools to continue providing basic access while prioritizing safety.

1. Public Libraries & the 2020 Census
Hannah Buckland | State Library Program Specialist
March 19, 2020

2. Background Information
3/20/2020 2Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov
State Library Services:
• Dept. of Education
• 5 staff in Roseville
• 9 staff in Faribault
at MN Braille &
Talking Book Library
• Administer federal and
state aid to support
libraries of all types

3. Minnesota’s Public Libraries
3/20/2020 3Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

4. Books & More
3/20/2020 4Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

5. Digital Inclusion
3/20/2020 5Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

6. State Library Services & State Demographic Center
1. Provided in-person Census workshops to
250+ librarians and ABE instructors
2. Shipped 49,200 bookmarks
3. Registered libraries as Questionnaire
Assistance Centers
• Designated locations where people can complete
their census and receive assistance as needed
• Basic training and resource guide provided to all
3/20/2020 6Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

7. Communication: Great River Regional Library
3/20/2020 7Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

8. Professionalism: Anoka County Library
3/20/2020 8Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

9. Trust: Grand Marais Public Library
3/20/2020 9Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

10. Local Pride: Tracy Public Library
3/20/2020 10Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

11. March 11: Libraries as QACs
345 libraries total are QACs
• 330 public libraries are QACs
• 15 academic libraries are QACs
• At least 1 in each of MN’s 87 counties
89% (345/389) of all QACs are libraries
• Libraries represent 74% (109/148) of all
Metro QACs
• Libraries represent 98% (236/241) of all
Greater MN QACs
3/20/2020 11Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

12. March 15 – 18: A Necessary Change of Plans
3/20/2020 12Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov
https://xkcd.com/2276/
librarians

13. Resilience
3/20/2020 13Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov
Elbow Lake Rock County
Pipestone

14. Creativity
3/20/2020 14Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov
Saint Paul
Cannon Falls
Martin County Fergus Falls

15. So now what?
Priorities:
1. Safety
2. Basic access
• Curbside delivery
• Hotspot lending
• Collaboration with schools
3. In-building services
3/20/2020 15Leading for educational excellence and equity, every day for every one. | education.mn.gov

16. Thank you!
Hannah Buckland
State Library Program Specialist
hannah.buckland@state.mn.us
651-582-8792
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