This standard identifies categories for basic library statistical data reported at the national level, and provides associated definitions of terms. In doing so it deals with the following areas:

• reporting unit and target population,
• human resources,
• collection resources, infrastructure, finances and services.

In addition, the standard identifies new measures associated with networked services, databases, and performance. These measures are reported at a variety of levels, and at the time of this writing were slowly being incorporated into national library statistical data reports.

This standard is not intended to be comprehensive in scope. Instead, it presents a framework for comparable library data by describing common elements pertaining to libraries of various types in the US. It does not address detailed statistics for specific areas where it seems more appropriate for experts in those areas to make recommendations (e.g., music, government documents, and maps).

The purpose of this standard is to assist the information community in the identification, definition, collection and interpretation of statistical data used to describe the current status and condition of libraries in the US. In addition, it assists that community in collecting the data necessary to support research and analysis directed toward improving the performance of libraries and enhancing library effectiveness.