The System and Resource Library Administrators’ Association of Wisconsin (SRLAAW) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive compensation survey and analysis for library staff employed at public libraries throughout the state of Wisconsin.  The survey will be funded through a Library Services and Technology (LSTA) grant for which the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS) will act as contractor and fiscal agent. 

A similar survey and analysis of library staff was last performed in 2005 through the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA).  In recent years, Wisconsin public libraries have identified a significant need for a comprehensive process to maintain data on library staff salaries and position classifications.  This information would be used to aid library boards in determining appropriate standards and compensation to attract and retain the best possible employees for these positions.

The state of Wisconsin is served by 382 public libraries, each provided with oversight by independent and autonomous library boards and directors as determined by Wisconsin law (Chapter 43, Wisconsin Statutes).  In 2021, roughly $175 million dollars was expended for staff salaries and benefits within Wisconsin public libraries, accounting for 3065 total FTE library staff.

Wisconsin Library Compensation Survey and Analysis – Request for Proposals