3-Star Status Awarded to Oakland Public Library

“A star review from Library Journal is impressive, but the smiles we see on our patron’s faces put the “stars” in our eyes!” stated Oakland Library Director Rosa Schmidt.

Oakland’s library was one of nine libraries in the state of Nebraska to be awarded 3-Star status from the Library Journal. “We were one of nine libraries in Nebraska to be given a star rating. Four of us were first timers; Bloomfield Public Library, Genoa Public Library, Creighton Public Library and Oakland Public Library,” Rosa said. “The remaining libraries, Atkinson, Central City, Neligh, Hartington and Falls City Public Libraries have been awarded star reviews in the past as well.”

One of the requirements of achieving yearly State Certification is to complete the annual State Statistical report. “This is a very in depth report that I will soon be completing for the last fiscal year. The information is then available via Bibliostat Connect,” Rosa stated.

This information is then analyzed and compared by those such as a Library Journal. “Library Journal issues an “Index of Public Library Service: each year, rating libraries across the nation,” Rosa said.

Rosa could only think about completing the state stat report on time and getting back to the job at hand in the library. “I was completely caught unaware that we, the Oakland Public Library, had achieved star review,” Rosa stated.

The measures used in this year’s ratings by the Library Journal were circulation per capita, visits per capita, program attendance per capita and public internet computer use per capita.

“It is always a good feeling to be recognized by your peers for your successes, so receiving this Star Rating and having the Oakland Public Library be listed among so many wonderful libraries is an amazing thing!” Rosa said.

Rosa is aware that there is no guarantee that doing well one year will result in the same outcome year to year. “Our goal is always to provide the best possible service to our community that we can,” Rosa stated.

Proudly displaying the award are: JoAnne Peterson and Coleen Denton. (Back row l-r) Kristi Arlt, Audrey Unwin, Nancy Wonka, James Mashek, Vivian Forks, and Rosa Schmidt. Photo courtesy of Oakland Public Library.