The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) will collect data from academic libraries again in Fall 2000. There are very few changes in WHAT will be collected, but many changes in HOW and WHEN the data will be collected and reported. Here are the changes:

1. Web-based data collection: The interactive forms will be available on the NCES Web page from October 16, 2000 through February 15, 2001. Each academic library director will receive a letter in August 2000 containing a registration certificate that shows a User ID and password for the library. The director will be asked to indicate a "key holder" who will use those codes to enter the library's data.

2. Web based registration: Beginning August 15, 2000, key holders will register with NCES using a Web form.

3. Firm deadline: After February 15, 2001, the reporting window will be closed. Data will be imputed for non-respondents in national and state summaries (E.D. Tabs).

4. Fast turn-around. If the response is at least 80%, NCES will release an edited but unimputed file of library data on the NCES Web site in June 2001 and summary tables (E.D.Tabs) in October 2001.

5. Peer comparison program. The NCES Web site will soon contain software that enables peer group comparison using 1998 data. The 2000 data will be available in that program as soon as the final file is posted in June 2001.

A print-only copy of the ALS 2000 form and instructions will be posted by the end of June 2000 on the NCES Web site at http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/academic.html.