The next Decennial Census will take place in 2020. By April 1, 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will have sent out invitations to participate in the 2020 Census, in an effort to count every person living in the United States, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Libraries can play an important role by creating awareness of the Census and by providing internet access for completing the Census online.

The sites below include complete count information; resources from the U.S. Census Bureau, ALA, and NYLA; publications and reports; promotional materials; webinars; resources for educators and partners; and information on newsletters and e-mail lists.

Complete Count

2020 Census: The State of New York
New York’s site for the 2020 Census. Includes information on what New York State is doing to get ready for the Census, how citizens can become involved in making the 2020 Census a success, how census data is used and a timeline.

Census 2020 Hard to Count Map
This interactive map shows which areas may not be accurately counted because of difficulties with addresses, socioeconomic factors, and rural or industrial buildings. The areas can be sorted by state legislative district, Congressional district, county and census tract.

Get Involved in Your Community: The State of New York
Site explains how various groups can partner together to make the 2020 Census a success. Includes information on challenges to a complete count, Complete Count Commission events, Complete Count Committees, community organizations, and outreach to hard-to-count groups.

New York Counts 2020
Site for New York Counts 2020, a statewide coalition comprised of various groups partnering with state and local governments. Resources include fact sheets, Census 2020 Hard-to-Count map, and a report on why New York State should invest in community-based outreach. Also includes press coverage, press kit, and advocacy information.

NYS Council on Children and Families: Complete Count
Contains information on how to get prepared for the 2020 Census and how to establish a Complete Count Committee.

The New York State Complete Count Commission
Because New York has a large number of hard to count populations, the bipartisan New York State Complete Count Commission was created to inform and assist in the State's efforts in the upcoming 2020 Census.

Newsletters and Email Lists

Libraries and the 2020 Census
Sign up to receive e-mail updates from ALA about libraries and the 2020 Census.

Statistics in Schools Monthly Newsletter
Sign up to receive the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools monthly newsletters or view current and past newsletters.

U.S. Census Bureau Email Updates
Sign up to receive U.S. Census Bureau e-mail updates.

Publications and Reports

The 2020 Census: Digital Preparedness Playbook
The National League of Cities and the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University have produced on this playbook with strategies to aid local governments in their preparation for the 2020 Census.

Digital Equity Lab: Preparing for the Digital Decennial Census
Analyzes the effects of the digital divide on risk, safety and trust surrounding the first digital decennial census. Recommends mitigation strategies to offset impact of digital divide and to prepare against uncertainties of first online census and potential undercount.

Investigating the 2010 Undercount of Young Children – Summary of Recent Research: U.S. Census Bureau
In preparation for the 2020 Census, this report summarizes key findings from U.S. Census Bureau research of undercount of young children in the 2010 Census. Analyzes characteristics of young children with highest risk of coverage errors, and causes of 2010 undercount.

Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2019: Pew Research Center
This study by the Pew Research Center reveals that 20% of American adults who use the internet do not have traditional broadband service at home and are “smartphone-only” internet users. Younger adults, lower-income Americans, racial minorities, rural residents, and those with lower levels of education are less likely to have broadband service at home and more likely to rely on smartphones for online access.

A Roadmap to Achieving a Complete 2020 Census Count in New York State
The formal report based upon findings of the NYS Complete Count Commission, released in October 2019. Summarizes challenges and makes recommendations based on testimony gathered from seven months of public hearings, roundtables, comments and analysis, the report serves as a blueprint for New York State to follow in efforts to achieve a full and accurate Census 2020 count.

Resources for Partners

Cornell Program on Applied Demographics
Cornell University’s Program on Applied Demographics (PAD) provides a variety of organizations with data, information and advice in demographics, data gathering and analysis. Cornell University is home to one of the nation’s US Census Research Data Centers and PAD works closely with the New York State Department of Labor, the U.S. Census Bureau and other organizations to assist them in their activities.

Partner with the U.S. Census Bureau
Information on why and how to partner with the U.S. Census Bureau. Includes information on Census Bureau data tools and products, a link to sign up to get updates about supporting Census Bureau efforts and programs, 2020 Census materials and an outline of action steps to engage with the Census Bureau.

Resources for Spanish-Speaking Populations (En español)

Censo 2020—NALEO Educational Fund
El sitio web de NALEO Educational Fund en español incluye información sobre el censo, por qué es importante participar, fechas importantes, cambios importantes y información sobre la confidencialidad de las respuestas.

Censo del 2020—la Oficina del Censo de los EE.UU.
El sitio web de la Oficina del Censo de los EE. UU. en español incluye información sobre por qué el censo es importante, privacidad y seguridad, y cómo participar.

Hojas informativas de la Oficina del Censo de los EE. UU.
Incluye cuatro hojas informativas en español de la Oficina del Censo de los EE. UU. Los temas incluye información básica sobre el censo, cómo el censo invitará a todos a responder, cómo responder en español, y la confidencialidad del Censo del 2020.

Kit de prensa en español
Incluye comunicados de prensa, hojas informativas, y otros recursos y herramientas.

Comunicados de prensa en español de la Oficina del Censo de los EE. UU.
Incluye comunicados de prensa en español de 2014 a 2020.

Webinars

Libraries and the Census (ALA)
Discussion and Q&A from ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office and an expert panel.

Preparing Libraries for the 2020 Census: Digital Security, Privacy, and Access (NYSL)
Webinar presented by New York State Library with Greta Byrum, Digital Equity Laboratory, Jeffrey Lambert, Queens Public Library, and Lauren Moore, Pioneer Library System. Focuses on available tools and how libraries can start preparing for the 2020 Census.