Performance Details

Department of Education and Early Development - Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums

• Return to Departments
• Department of Education and Early Development website

Mission

By providing access to government records; to collect, organize, care for, and make available materials that document the history and the culture of the state; and by promoting the development of libraries, archives, and museums statewide; Alaskans have access to information and resources to support lifelong learning.

Core Services

• Provide access to the collections, programs, and services of the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums.
• Actively collect, manage, and care for objects and documents that communicate the stories and history of Alaska.
• Support educational opportunities for Libraries, Archives and Museums statewide.

Mission Results	Core Services
A: Increase public engagement with the collections, programs, and services of the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums. Details >	A1: Provide access to the collections, programs, and services of the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums. Details > TARGET #1: Increase the number of annual visitors to the Alaska State Museum and Sheldon Jackson Museum. TARGET #2: Increase the number of Alaskan objects and documents available online. TARGET #3: Increase attendance to programs and rentals at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building. TARGET #4: Provide reference services at the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums. TARGET #5: Increase public engagement with the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums website. TARGET #6: Support Alaskans through the circulation of materials via the Talking Book Center.
Mission Results	Core Services
B: Ensure state historical objects and documents are cared for and made available to the public. Details >	B1: Actively collect, manage, and care for objects and documents that communicate the stories and history of Alaska. Details > TARGET #1: Ensure state historical objects and documents are cared for and made available to the public.
Mission Results	Core Services
C: Increase organizational capacity and professional development for staff and management of Libraries, Archives and Museums. Details >	C1: Support educational opportunities for Libraries, Archives and Museums statewide. Details > TARGET #1: Provide professional development and training events for Libraries, Archives and Museums staff statewide.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Increase the number of annual visitors to the Alaska State Museum and Sheldon Jackson Museum. Methodology: Museum galleries include those in Juneau and Sitka. Educational programs include visitation from K-12 and college students as well as the general public. Youth art activities include participation from K-12 students. Traveling exhibitions are those designed by the Alaska State Museum and hosted by other Alaskan organizations. Number of Visitors to the Alaska State Museum and Sheldon Jackson Museum Fiscal Year Museum Galleries' Education Programs Youth Art Activities Traveling Exhibitions Total FY 2024 63,005 +34.41% 2,280 +6.29% 489 +82.46% 1,767 -95.38% 67,541 -22.88% FY 2023 46,876 +65.88% 2,145 +18.51% 268 +32.67% 38,287 +72.58% 87,576 +66.95% FY 2022 28,259 +316.55% 1,810 +87.56% 202 +61.60% 22,185 +90.22% 52,456 +168.50% FY 2021 6,784 -84.00% 965 -51.16% 125 -78.15% 11,663 +1,566.14% 19,537 -57.21% FY 2020 42,409 -35.06% 1,976 +272.83% 572 -25.42% 700 0% 45,657 -31.45% FY 2019 65,304 +18.61% 530 -84.19% 767 +307.98% 0 -100.00% 66,601 +8.43% FY 2018 55,056 +0.16% 3,353 +4.00% 188 +213.33% 2,824 +523.40% 61,421 +4.63% FY 2017 54,967 +175.18% 3,224 +278.40% 60 +25.00% 453 0% 58,704 +181.22% FY 2016 19,975 +74.06% 852 -92.44% 48 -92.01% 0 0% 20,875 -10.61% FY 2015 11,476 -70.22% 11,276 +58.97% 601 +32.67% 0 -100.00% 23,353 -50.60% FY 2014 38,540 -33.05% 7,093 +13.25% 453 -40.55% 1,188 -96.20% 47,274 -50.67% FY 2013 57,562 -17.01% 6,263 +100.61% 762 +197.66% 31,248 -56.65% 95,835 -33.82% FY 2012 69,358 +23.35% 3,122 +11.42% 256 -57.69% 72,076 +38.07% 144,812 +29.48% FY 2011 56,227 -2.94% 2,802 -19.37% 605 -62.31% 52,203 -2.64% 111,837 -4.11% FY 2010 57,928 -7.67% 3,475 +7.85% 1,605 +216.57% 53,621 +158.80% 116,629 +33.77% Analysis of results and challenges: Alaska State Museum and Sheldon Jackson Museum visitor counts to galleries climbed to over 63,000 in FY2024. Contributing to this increase was significantly high numbers of cruise ships to Juneau and Sitka in the summer of 2023. A return to major in-house exhibits with heavy use of objects led to fewer traveling exhibitions in FY2024. Related links: Alaska State Museums Target Last Modified: 10/30/2024

Target #2: Increase the number of Alaskan objects and documents available online. Methodology: Guides to Alaska Collections are finding aids and other resources that describe materials held in the Alaska State Library Historical Collections. State of Alaska Publications include digitized and born-digital publications that are available online. Alaska"s Digital Archives counts the number of images and items contributed by the entire division to this statewide catalog. Museum Catalog Records was added in FY2023 and includes the number of records with object information available through the museum`s online database. Archives Catalog Records was added in FY2023 and includes the number of records available through the archives` online database. Alaskan Objects and Documents Available Online Federal Fiscal Year Division Total Guides to AK Collections State of AK Publications AK Digital Archives Museum Catalog Records Archives Catalog Records Variance FFY 2024 106,654 +7.48% 1,266 +0.24% 14,162 +23.74% 28,094 0% 31,796 +0.04% 31,336 +17.59% 0 0% FFY 2023 99,233 +156.26% 1,263 +2.52% 11,445 +10.53% 28,094 +3.53% 31,782 0% 26,649 0% 0 0% FFY 2022 38,723 +2.55% 1,232 0% 10,355 +10.24% 27,136 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2021 37,761 +2.93% 1,232 -12.93% 9,393 +14.03% 27,136 +0.38% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2020 36,685 +1.50% 1,415 +0.07% 8,237 +6.99% 27,033 +0.01% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2019 36,144 +1.31% 1,414 +0.35% 7,699 +3.45% 27,031 +0.77% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2018 35,675 +6.04% 1,409 +1.59% 7,442 +4.88% 26,824 +6.61% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2017 33,643 +4.14% 1,387 +4.84% 7,096 +8.22% 25,160 +3.01% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2016 32,305 +6.87% 1,323 +2.00% 6,557 +18.02% 24,425 +4.49% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2015 30,228 +6.25% 1,297 +1.33% 5,556 +9.95% 23,375 +5.69% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2014 28,450 +21.53% 1,280 +1.35% 5,053 +57.02% 22,117 +16.84% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2013 23,410 +3.70% 1,263 +1.36% 3,218 +17.79% 18,929 +1.79% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2012 22,575 +12.81% 1,246 +1.63% 2,732 +13.08% 18,597 +13.60% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2011 20,012 +12.88% 1,226 +1.66% 2,416 +14.34% 16,370 +13.60% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FFY 2010 17,729 +6.94% 1,206 +6.07% 2,113 +15.21% 14,410 +5.90% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Analysis of results and challenges: Alaska-related materials available to the public through the division website have steadily increased over the past decade. Guides to Alaska Collections describe the scope and contents of historical collections held by the division from photographs to newspapers. The Alaska State Publications Digital Library provides free, permanent public access to materials produced by state agencies. Alaska`s Digital Archives offers researchers an online tool to search historical photographs, handwritten journals, moving images, and other archival materials in the division collections. The museum`s online database came back online in FY2023 and offers researchers the ability to explore over 31,000 object records with images and information from the collections in Juneau and Sitka. The archives` online database went live to the public in FY2024 and affords researchers an opportunity to research records and select materials for viewing in the research room at the Andrew P. Kahsevaroff Building. Related links: Guides to Alaska Collections Alaska State Publications Digital Library Alaska`s Digital Archives Alaska State Museums Online Database Alaska State Archives Online Database Alaska State Library Historical Collections Finding Aids Target Last Modified: 10/30/2024

Target #3: Increase attendance to programs and rentals at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building. Methodology: Division: Division: Alaska State Museums Programs have been counted separately from Alaska State Libraries and Archives Programs starting in FY2021. City, State, and Federal: includes meetings and events hosted by city, state (including the Department of Education and Early Development) and federal entities. Other Organization and Private: includes organization and private rental use and attendance at the APK. OWL Video Conferences: include those hosted by the division. Events are held in the lecture hall, classroom, atrium, library, and research room. Events in the museum are included in Target #1. Attendance to Programs and Rentals at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building Fiscal Year Total Division City, State, and Federal Other Organization and OWL Video Conferences FY 2024 6,916 +5.89% 535 -55.00% 924 -27.07% 4,541 +55.73% 916 -20.97% FY 2023 6,531 +88.92% 1,189 +64.23% 1,267 +108.39% 2,916 +269.11% 1,159 -13.18% FY 2022 3,457 +26.82% 724 +137.38% 608 -8.71% 790 +120.67% 1,335 -4.44% FY 2021 2,726 -64.28% 305 -83.00% 666 +2,196.55% 358 -93.75% 1,397 +1,624.69% FY 2020 7,632 -28.21% 1,794 -7.76% 29 -98.89% 5,728 -1.26% 81 -70.11% FY 2019 10,631 -9.45% 1,945 -76.33% 2,614 +27.08% 5,801 +440.63% 271 -31.04% FY 2018 11,740 +14.34% 8,217 +37.98% 2,057 -8.66% 1,073 -32.09% 393 -18.30% FY 2017 10,268 +293.56% 5,955 +203.05% 2,252 +5,674.36% 1,580 +558.33% 481 +31.78% FY 2016 2,609 1,965 39 240 365 Analysis of results and challenges: Division staff coordinate, sponsor, and host a broad range of in-person and virtual events at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building in Juneau. Educational events include conferences, lectures, training, workshops, school group programs, and literary meetings that meet the educational mission of the division. Government agencies, organizations, and private parties also rent and use spaces in the building for meetings, conferences, and receptions. Please note that attendance numbers for programs hosted by the Alaska State Museum and Sheldon Jackson Museum are accounted for in Target #1 starting in FY2021. Related links: Renting Space at the APK Target Last Modified: 10/30/2024

Target #4: Provide reference services at the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums. Methodology: Library reference questions include those answered by team members in historical collections, information services, and library development. Archives reference questions include those answered by archives team members. Museums reference questions represent those answered by team members in Juneau and Sitka. Number of Reference Questions Answered Fiscal Year Total Library Archives Museums FY 2024 57,442 -7.86% 49,464 +0.56% 447 -10.42% 7,511 -40.65% FY 2023 62,342 +3.79% 49,188 +2.01% 499 +53.54% 12,655 +9.80% FY 2022 60,068 +25.04% 48,218 +22.01% 325 -20.15% 11,525 +42.06% FY 2021 48,040 +0.90% 39,520 +13.02% 407 -16.26% 8,113 -33.28% FY 2020 47,612 +32.51% 34,967 +26.01% 486 -3.76% 12,159 +58.40% FY 2019 35,931 -21.35% 27,750 -8.99% 505 +35.39% 7,676 -48.20% FY 2018 45,683 -3.92% 30,491 -21.74% 373 -29.49% 14,819 +83.90% FY 2017 47,547 +17.85% 38,960 +5.54% 529 +54.68% 8,058 +160.86% FY 2016 40,345 -14.72% 36,914 -15.37% 342 -24.00% 3,089 -4.66% FY 2015 47,310 -6.62% 43,620 -6.93% 450 -22.01% 3,240 +0.65% FY 2014 50,664 +28.81% 46,868 +25.37% 577 +47.57% 3,219 +106.74% FY 2013 39,331 +5.44% 37,383 +3.39% 391 -12.13% 1,557 +122.75% FY 2012 37,303 +22.39% 36,159 +24.43% 445 -28.11% 699 -12.73% FY 2011 30,479 +36.55% 29,059 +41.68% 619 -2.21% 801 -31.95% FY 2010 22,321 +21.28% 20,511 +24.24% 633 -6.91% 1,177 -3.21% Analysis of results and challenges: Division team members receive and answer reference questions in-person at Juneau and Sitka as well as through email, phone, and postal mail. Reference questions and requests for information are typically received from state agencies, tribes, researchers, libraries, archives, and museums across the state, students, and the general public. The division anticipates a significant decrease in library reference statistics in FY2025 due to the lack of funding for LexisNexis, an alerts service, that assisted in answering library reference questions. Related links: Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums Target Last Modified: 10/30/2024

Target #5: Increase public engagement with the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums website. Methodology: Numbers above include website visits to pages on the division website, as well as use of LibGuides and the Talking Books Center. Annual Website Visits Fiscal Year Total FY 2024 264,652 +2.34% FY 2023 258,589 -18.56% FY 2022 317,504 -48.86% FY 2021 620,809 +140.67% FY 2020 257,954 +142.64% FY 2019 106,312 -83.64% FY 2018 649,941 Analysis of results and challenges: This measure reflects an ongoing engagement with the resources and collections of the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums through the division website. Researchers, state agencies, tourists, and others turn to the division website for information about services and collections as well as visitor hours and contact information. The division in working on a redesigned website with intuitive staff editing and a clean public user interface that will launch to the public in FY2025. Related links: Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums Target Last Modified: 10/30/2024

Target #6: Support Alaskans through the circulation of materials via the Talking Book Center. Methodology: Numbers above include an annual physical circulation and/or digital download of items per patron. Circulation per Patron for the Talking Book Center Fiscal Year Circulation per Patron FY 2024 94.73 +0.35% FY 2023 94.40 -4.34% FY 2022 98.68 +2.63% FY 2021 96.15 +32.64% FY 2020 72.49 -5.84% FY 2019 76.99 +20.02% FY 2018 64.15 +6.00% FY 2017 60.52 +46.01% FY 2016 41.45 -25.86% FY 2015 55.91 +15.80% FY 2014 48.28 -17.39% FY 2013 58.44 +16.25% FY 2012 50.27 +7.85% FY 2011 46.61 +1.90% FY 2010 45.74 -0.57% Analysis of results and challenges: The Talking Book Center is a cooperative effort between the Alaska State Library, the Utah State Library, and National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled to provide Alaskans with talking books and Braille service. Circulation includes large print books and digital audiobooks distributed through the mail as well as patron-initiated downloads of books, music, and magazines through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service. The gradual decline in annual numbers for the Talking Book Center represents a nationwide trend. In FY2024, the average monthly number of patrons in Alaska was 648 with each patron checking out or downloading an average of 95 items a year. The total number of items circulated through the Talking Book Center in Alaska for FY2024 was 61,386. Related links: Talking Book Center Target Last Modified: 10/30/2024

Target #1: Ensure state historical objects and documents are cared for and made available to the public. Methodology: Library Alaskan Titles include publications with Alaska-related content. Archives containers represent document boxes, recorders volumes, and microfilm reel containers. Museum objects include physical items in the collections of the Alaska State Museum and Sheldon Jackson Museum. Number of Alaska State Libraries, Archives, and Museums Holdings Fiscal Year Total Library Alaskan Titles Archives Containers Museum Objects FY 2024 165,339 +2.20% 81,567 +3.58% 42,560 +0.69% 41,212 +1.11% FY 2023 161,776 +1.37% 78,748 +2.09% 42,268 +1.31% 40,760 +0.06% FY 2022 159,591 +1.21% 77,133 +2.00% 41,721 +0.25% 40,737 +0.70% FY 2021 157,687 +1.50% 75,617 +2.22% 41,615 +1.60% 40,455 +0.06% FY 2020 155,359 +1.31% 73,972 +946.72% 40,958 +2.40% 40,429 +0.36% FY 2019 153,350 +2.31% 7,067 -89.92% 39,998 +1.18% 40,285 +0.17% FY 2018 149,886 +1.57% 70,135 +1.54% 39,533 +1.60% 40,218 +1.60% FY 2017 147,568 +1.60% 69,074 +0.73% 38,910 +3.17% 39,584 +1.62% FY 2016 145,238 +1.36% 68,571 +810.27% 37,713 +4.27% 38,954 +0.96% FY 2015 143,285 +6.06% 7,533 -88.65% 36,167 +19.28% 38,585 +0.42% FY 2014 135,103 +0.77% 66,360 +0.88% 30,321 +0.52% 38,422 +0.79% FY 2013 134,066 +2.75% 65,780 +2.18% 30,164 +1.48% 38,122 +4.80% FY 2012 130,476 +1.80% 64,376 +2.67% 29,725 +1.70% 36,375 +0.36% FY 2011 128,172 +1.71% 62,699 +3.17% 29,227 +0.75% 36,246 +0.04% FY 2010 126,012 +1.99% 60,772 +3.28% 29,010 +1.46% 36,230 +0.31% Analysis of results and challenges: Division collections of physical materials including books, photographs, documents, and objects continue to increase. Many Library Alaskan Titles are available for research and use in the Reading Room while unique and fragile historical materials are in collections storage and available upon request. Archives Containers are stored in collections storage and available upon request in the Research Room. Many Museum Objects can be viewed on display in the exhibit galleries while other objects are in collections storage and available to researchers upon request. Museum objects from the educational collection are circulated to schools and classrooms across the state through a hands-on loan program for educators. Related links: Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums Target Last Modified: 11/14/2024

Target #1: Provide professional development and training events for Libraries, Archives and Museums staff statewide. Methodology: Libraries includes conference presentations, webinars, and OWL training events. Archives includes conference presentations, webinars, and training for other agencies. Museums includes conference presentations, webinars, workshops, and training for other agencies. Attendance of Professional Development and Training Events Fiscal Year Total Libraries Archives Museums FY 2024 7,686 +71.37% 332 -50.15% 68 +70.00% 7,286 +92.80% FY 2023 4,485 -19.90% 666 -67.89% 40 -79.70% 3,779 +13.55% FY 2022 5,599 +38.73% 2,074 +0.92% 197 +347.73% 3,328 +71.81% FY 2021 4,036 +8.12% 2,055 -3.61% 44 +1,366.67% 1,937 +21.21% FY 2020 3,733 -13.73% 2,132 -26.76% 3 -98.57% 1,598 +32.50% FY 2019 4,327 -4.44% 2,911 -15.06% 210 +650.00% 1,206 +12.40% FY 2018 4,528 +50.88% 3,427 +117.17% 28 -76.67% 1,073 -17.65% FY 2017 3,001 +10.98% 1,578 -26.40% 120 +150.00% 1,303 +154.49% FY 2016 2,704 -1.57% 2,144 +31.70% 48 -91.52% 512 -7.41% FY 2015 2,747 -26.26% 1,628 -36.18% 566 -19.83% 553 +18.16% FY 2014 3,725 +32.70% 2,551 +126.76% 706 -20.94% 468 -40.68% FY 2013 2,807 -1.65% 1,125 +3.50% 893 +43.57% 789 -31.09% FY 2012 2,854 -16.60% 1,087 -23.61% 622 -10.76% 1,145 -12.06% FY 2011 3,422 -29.53% 1,423 +22.78% 697 -42.68% 1,302 -47.52% FY 2010 4,856 +34.59% 1,159 +34.92% 1,216 +340.58% 2,481 +0.32% Analysis of results and challenges: Team members with the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums provide or coordinate training and professional development opportunities for libraries, archives, and museums across Alaska. Division staff provide in-person training at site visits, offer conference presentations, and provide instruction through webinars and virtual meetings. Likewise, division team members take advantage of training and networking opportunities to enhance their own skills and develop their professional expertise. A decrease in FY2024 library attendance reflects the absence of an Alaska Library Association conference in FY2024. Museum attendance almost doubled in FY2024 due to a substantial increase in museum offerings including: First Friday lectures at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building, virtual Artist-in-Residence programs and a Winter Lecture Series at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and expansion of online trainings and presentations offered by museum staff. Related links: Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums Target Last Modified: 11/14/2024

Last refreshed: 05/16/2025 12:00 pm