The document discusses the importance of the 2020 Census and outlines ways that libraries can help encourage participation. It notes that census results will allocate billions in federal funding and determines congressional representation over the next 10 years. Libraries can help by providing internet access to complete surveys online, assisting with job applications, informing the public, and partnering with local leaders. Staff should familiarize themselves with census resources and ensure access to response websites. They can reassure patrons about data safety and direct them to response options and frequently asked questions.

1. The 2020 Census and Your Library

2. A Brief History of the U.S. Census

3. To best achieve a fair, accurate, and complete
count, it is VITAL that we get as many people
as possible to respond to the survey.
Census results will allocate BILLIONS of dollars
in federal funding to state and local
communities over the next 10 years.
Census results also determines representation
in Congress, as well as state and local
governments.

4. In order to make it easy for everyone, there will
be three main ways to respond to the Census:
■ Online: Respond online at my2020census.gov
starting March 12th (Tomorrow!)
■ By phone: Get assistance or respond by phone
starting March 9th: Toll Free Telephone numbers
■ By mail: Households will receive a paper
questionnaire between April 8–16th.
■ At home (last resort): Census takers will visit
households in person beginning May 13th.

5. Here’s what libraries across the country are
doing:
1) Providing internet access so residents can respond online, starting
on March 12 (residents can also opt to respond by phone or mail);
2) Helping jobseekers apply online for 500,000 temporary Census jobs;
3) Informing the public about the 2020 Census, options for responding,
and how to avoid misinformation and scams; and
4) Partnering with local leaders to help reach communities at risk of
being undercounted.

6. How can my library prepare?
1) Library staff should be familiar with the Census
questionnaire and related resources.
2) Find resources at ala.org/census
3) Temporarily add or dedicate one or more
computers for only completing the census
questionnaire.
4) Provide guest or “express” internet access
without a library card number.
5) Ensure that my2020census.gov and
2020census.gov are accessible online.

7. How can library staff help patrons?
1) REASSURE patrons that their information is safe, regardless
of which response method they choose.
2) Direct people to their response options.
3) Be familiar with Frequently Asked Questions:
4) Share resources from 2020census.gov, such as:
■ Questionnaire guides in 59 languages + English
■ Video Guides to Completing the 2020 Census Online in
59 languages + English
5) Explain how to navigate the pages online, change the
language, etc.
6) If someone has no computer experience, you may want to
encourage using the paper form

8. RESOURCES
ALA and the Census (http://www.ala.org/census)
2020Census.gov
my2020census.gov
Responding to the Census
Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census
Census Form Frequently Asked Questions
Census Form Multi-Language Guides
Census Form Multi-Language Videos
Jobs with the 2020 Census
Contact the U.S. Census Bureau for Support

9. Mary G. Sauers
Government Information Librarian
Nebraska Library Commission
1200 N Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 471-4017
mary.sauers@nebraska.gov