Census 2020: Information for Libraries

November 15, 2019October 1, 2020 Jenny Shonk 4813 ViewsCensus, Computer Network Services, Digital Resources, outreach, Technology 3 min read

Beginning on March 12, 2020, you’ll be invited to respond to the 2020 Census. You can visit https://my2020census.gov/ to complete your questionnaire.

Libraries have always played an important role in promoting and supporting efforts to obtain full participation within a community; the expectation is that there will be greater demands placed upon libraries in the upcoming census due to the transition to a primarily digital survey process – especially in the Finger Lakes Library System service area where many communities face connectivity issues. Finger Lakes Library System is a Census 2020 Community Partner and will assist member libraries by providing materials, training, consulting, and technology help.

“The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail. This will mark the first time that you will be able to respond to the census online.”

For basic information from the Census Bureau, visit the following links:

Contact

Consulting, Resources, Training:
Jenny Shonk
jshonk@flls.org or 607-273-4074 x236

Technology:
Rex Helwig or Eric Franks
rhelwig@flls.org/efranks@flls.org or 607-273-4074 x237

Census Bureau Partnership Specialists:

Katherine “Kate” Dillon, Cortland & Tioga Counties: (518) 951-9873 or katherine.d.dillon@2020census.gov
Kristine “Tina” Hanford, Cayuga & Seneca Counties: (716) 906-6743 or kristine.hanford@2020census.gov
Jennifer L. Karius, Tompkins County: (401) 834-2289 or Jennifer.L.Karius@2020census.gov

Timeline

October 2019: A Needs Assessment Survey will be distributed to all member libraries.
November 2019: A discussion will be held at the FALCONS meeting (11/21) and a web page with helpful Census information will go live.
January 2020: An ESLN Sponsored Workshop will be held at FLLS. Official Census marketing materials will be distributed.
February 2020: A Q&A Hybrid Workshop & Webinar will be held at FLLS & Online.
February-April 2020: Member libraries will be encouraged to promote the Census.

[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]