The Carnegie Public Library of Clarksdale and Coahoma County was one of only 12 library systems across the state recently named as one of the Mississippi Library Stars for the 2017 fiscal year.
The designation was made by the Mississippi Library Commission.
The concept of Library Stars comes from the national professional magazine, Library Journal. The publication separates library systems into categories by expenditures that they report on the annual Public Library Statistics report that is submitted to the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
The star ratings are then calculated by comparing libraries’ in the following areas:
* Mississippi Measures – an amalgamation of statistics on interlibrary loan, statewide database use, number of registered users and items withdrawn;
* circulation per capita;
* total program attendance per capita;
* and public Internet terminal uses per capita.
While Mississippi does not currently have any national Library Journal Library Stars, MLC has awarded Mississippi Library Stars to the best-scoring libraries in this state, recognizing the three highest-scoring library systems in each of four expenditure categories. The Carnegie Public Library was one of the top three systems in Level II.
The winning libraries will receive a certificate and a Mississippi Star Library star to feature on their website.
The Mississippi Library Commission supports innovative programs and initiatives to strengthen and enhance library services for all Mississippians. The agency is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, with additional funding provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, offering leadership in library services, advocacy, and training for library professionals and paraprofessionals.
