lyndamk

Regarding the last day of NCLA, you missed an awesome session if you checked out early (actually several awesome sessions). NCLA’s Government Resources Section hosted “All about Census 2010″. I’ve posted some notes below and one presentation (posted with permission). More presentations will be a-coming. Be sure to spread the word about Census 2010!

Laura McClettie from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Regional Office in Charlotte presented on the Complete Count Committees and their importance to mobilizing their communities.

• The Census Bureau needs Complete Count Committees and Partners to help spread the word (and the truth) about the 2010 Census.
• NC is growing very fast and the response rate during the 2000 census was not great. We need to represent our state to ensure adequate federal funding!
• Information is confidential! Census Bureau employees are subject to fines or prison terms if they violate the confidentiality rules.

Bob Coats, an analyst in the Strategic Management section of the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) , the Governor’s Census Liaison, and the coordinator of the State Data Center network, spoke on the changes with Census 2010.

• Talked about the American Community Survey. Have data releases on an annual basis. Gives us more current data for our communities. Necessary because increased expectations in the information age.
• 1 in 40 people will get the ACS form
• Take a look at the Compass Guides for more information about ACS.
• Referred to the NC 2010 Census portal.

Beth Hayden is the Demographics and Reference Librarian at the State Library of North Carolina.

• Highlighted the importance of the Census for libraries, especially with planning and grants.
• Most important thing we can do is to send a message to our communities. Libraries are trusted institutions within communities and have access to the people. We need to convey the importance of a full count and try to clear up misconceptions through outreach and informational efforts.

I’ll add the other two presentations soon. Feel free to contact any of these wonderful people if you have questions about Census 2010 or if you would like them to speak to your community group.