The ninth edition of the LJ Index of Public Library Service and its Star Library ratings is the November 2016 cover story of Library Journal.  This edition adds circulation of electronic materials (i.e., downloadable e-books, audio and video) to the index, the first new output measure since the LJ Index began.  Next year, Wifi access usage will be added.

This year’s edition scores and rates the nation’s public libraries based on per-capita statistics for total circulation, circulation of electronic materials, library visits, program attendance, and public Internet computer use.  Scores are based on how a library’s per-capita figures compare with the averages for its spending peers.  There are nine spending peer groups.

This year’s article also reviews the status of early reporting on Wifi access usage, which is promising for its addition to the tenth edition of the LJ Index and Star Library ratings.