Bibliostat Collect: Frequently Asked Questions

• General library information
• Electronic and materials statistics
• Service and programming statistics
• Information about personnel
• Roster of Library Board Trustees (as of July 1, 2023)
• Operating fund, income, revenue, and expenditure information
• A blank, printed copy of survey (optional)

Click on "FAQ" or "Instructions" once you have logged into Bibliostat Collect for detailed information on getting started, how to use the survey tools, the status of your progress, and how to print or save a copy of your survey.

Don't see your question here?  Submit it!

1. When is Bibliostat due?  The report is due by 5 pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. 
2. How do I know that Bibliostat Collect is open?  Information regarding Bibliostat Collect is sent to library directors through the WVLC newsletter, Library Lookout, and through the Director's listserv.
3. How do I access Bibliostat Collect?  Go to Bibliostat Collect or click on the link from the WVLC homepage.
4. Where can I get my username and password?  The username and password are the same every year.  Please contact Library Section Director or call 1-800-642-9021, Option 1, for the information.  Please include your name and the name of your library in your message.
5. My username and password won't work.  What's wrong?  Make sure that you a. are not using the letter "o" for zero when entering your username and password and b. do not have the caps lock turned on.  If you still have problems, contact Library Section Director or call 1-800-642-9021, Option 1, for assistance.
6. My username and password were recognized, but I get an error message.  What do I do?  If you are trying to access Bibliostat Collect late in the afternoon, you may not be able to get in because of high usage. Please try again at a later time. Keep in mind that Bibliostat Collect works best on Windows 10. Also, you may want to try a different browser. Bibliostat Collect is compatible with the most recent versions of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. In the past, Microsoft Internet Explorer was the preferred browser, but that is no longer the case. You can contact Bibliostat Collect for technical assistance by calling 1-866-785-9935.
7. Can I expect any changes in Bibliostat this year?  Yes, there will be subtle changes each year to either improve the survey process or to clarify details in an attempt to align reporting practices nationwide.
8. Why can’t I see the full screen in Bibliostat?  If you are not able to see the full screen of the Bibliostat report, click the F11 button. To turn it off, you can click F11 again.
9. “Please wait”—what does that mean?  It means just that. You must wait until the information is loaded or saved. You will not be able to make any additions or changes to Bibliostat while the message is on the screen.
10. Is there an easy way to get help with a question I don’t understand?  While in the report, you may click on the question mark to the right of the data element to see instructions or definitions. This will open in a new window so make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off or allows pop-ups from the Bibliostat Collect website.
11. I get interrupted so often when I’m trying to complete Bibliostat and it times out on me. How long do I have?  The time-out period for Bibliostat is 90 minutes.
12. Does the director have to be the one who fills out Bibliostat?  No.  The director may pass this task along to someone else.  You will be prompted to enter the name, email address, and phone number of person filling out survey. Only one person at a time may be logged into the survey or DATA WILL BE OVERWRITTEN.
13. I tried to submit Bibliostat but it won’t let me because I have edit checks. How can I get rid of them?  The question will appear with the reason for the edit check below in bright red. If the data is incorrect, simply correct the data. If the data is already correct, add a Federal note using the notepad to explain the answer. If the edit check is on an automatic total and the figure is wrong, you will need to change the data in the contributing questions.
14. I created a note to satisfy an edit check, but the edit check does not disappear. Now what?  You will be able to submit only after every edit check has been satisfied. If the edit check message checkmark has turned green, it is okay. Go ahead and submit.
15. I finished the online report and submitted it. How can I be sure that the WVLC received it?    When you click on “submit”, you will see at the top of the screen a “please wait” message.  Wait until you see the message “Congratulations, submission successful!” before logging off.
16. What if I have questions about Bibliostat?  Please do not struggle with any of the questions.  Phone calls and email are both welcome. Whichever contact method you select, please tell us your name, phone number and the name of your library.
17. Whom should I contact to get further information?    For information about the report, data, or general questions, contact Library Section Director or call 1-800-642-9021, option 1.  For technical/login issues you may also contact Bibliostat Collect by phone at 1-866-785-9935.