What kinds of library organizations can participate in the CDP?
All libraries can fill out the CDP, except those that are purely science and medicine-oriented, or that have other non-arts/culture-specific collections. The CDP is also open to library support organizations (e.g., a fundraising organization), professional library societies and associations, library alliances and advocacy groups, and library management or technical assistance organizations.
My library is a library system that includes many branches. How should I fill out the Data Profile?
Each Data Profile should represent one organization, so for libraries that translates to one library branch. If possible, fill out the Data Profile for your library branch only, including specific financial and non-financial information on that level.
What if my library operates under the township or other municipal, county, or state government?
If a township, municipality, or other government entity has fiscal and administrative control over your library’s operations, you should indicate that you have a parent organization when you create your organization's account. For Organization Type choose 'Program or department within a parent organization' from the drop down selections.
You can adjust your answers to the Survey Settings at any time by clicking on the Survey Settings tab in the navigation while editing a survey.
If your library is an independent government entity, select 'Government agency, department, program, or facility' as your Organization Type.
What NISP disciplines are appropriate for libraries?
While each library varies based on its collections and purpose, some suggestions include 09 – Media Arts, 10 – Literature, 11 – Interdisciplinary, and 14 – Multidisciplinary.
Should I fill out the Balance Sheet?
If you are an independent 501(c)(3) and have an audit or a review, you will be required to fill out a balance sheet.
If you are an independent 501(c)(3) and do not have an audit or review, the balance sheet is optional. We recommend entering a balance sheet where possible, from your IRS Form 990 or internal accounting software, because it can give a more complete financial picture of your organization.
Is there a place to list our circulation and our collection(s)/number of volumes?
Yes. When creating a Cultural Data Profile, make sure to select 'Circulating works' and you will be able to enter data about your collection and circulation.
