NLS Operations Alert
No. 19-60
DATE : September 6, 2019
TO : Network Libraries
FROM : Richard Smith, Chief, Network Division
SUBJECT : Referral Sources
Last year, in an effort to track how new patrons are learning about our services, NLS updated the Individual Application
to include a question about referral sources. However, a more formalized, standardized tracking methodology is needed in order to draw meaningful conclusions from this referral data. After working with Keystone Systems and network libraries, NLS has developed
a more comprehensive list of referral sources. NLS would like to work with circulation vendors and those libraries that use their own application forms to standardize referral source lists.
Using a standardized list throughout the network, NLS will be able to share local, regional, and national results with
each library, which will enable libraries to better evaluate their outreach efforts. Please refer to the list below for the new referral sources NLS will be using in a revised application and on our online information request. NLS requests that libraries incorporate
all of these new referral sources into their own applications:
How did you learn about this service? (Check up to three)*
Veterans Affairs/Defense Health Agency
Other Health Care Professional
Vocational Rehabilitation Center
Friend/Family
Public Library
School
Consumer/Support Group
Event/Expo
TV Ad
Radio Ad
Other Ad (specify below)
Internet/Social Media (specify below)
Other (specify below)
(*For the time being, KLAS libraries will only be able to enter one option in their system.)
If you have further questions on how the data will be shared and analyzed, contact David Spett, NLS Data Analyst, at
[log in to unmask].
For more information, contact:
Richard Smith
Chief, Network Division