The webinar "2020 Census: How Libraries Can Raise Awareness" is in response to Census Day, which is quickly approaching in April. It is designed to educate individuals on why the Census is important, what it is, how it will work, etc., and was published by the Federal Depository Library Program.
What is the 2020 Census?
The Census Bureau is the government agency that is dedicated to counting every individual in the United States and its territories. The Census is conducted every ten years and provides data for the government to determine how much funding can be given to states and communities. According to the United States Census 2020 website, the Census is mandated in the Constitution under Article 1, Section 2, and has been in effect since 1970. Individuals are obligated to fill out the Census form because it is required by U.S. law.
Respondents' information is confidential and the Census Bureau cannot release and identifiable information about you. The responses are used solely for statistics and cannot be used against you by a government agency or in court.
Why is the Census important?
The Census allows the government to have a complete count of the population of the nation and its territories. This data informs the government on how best to distribute funds. The Census provides a reflection of America through the data it collects and aids the government in offering future services that are beneficial to communities. The Federal Depository Library Program explains that federal funding is allocated towards "schools, health centers, roads, housing assistance, hospitals, fire departments, and much more."
Not only does the Census distribute funding to communities based on population and need, but it uses the population to determine how many seats each state gets in Congress. The House of Representatives determines each state's number of representatives based off of the population, while each state has two representatives in the Senate. The House of Representatives is part of the legislative branch and makes and passes laws. While seats are based on population, the total number of representatives cannot exceed 435.
How will the 2020 Census be conducted?
Participants can respond via mail, phone, and now online. The online and phone options have the questionnaire available in 13 different languages, so respondents can respond in their native tongue. On March 12, the Census Bureau will mail the Census form to every household. The government agency will also provide different methods for individuals living in group situations such as marinas, RV parks, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. Household visits will also be conducted in rural and remote areas since the mailing address cannot be used in these situations. April 1st, Census Day, is the reference point for the Census. Then, beginning in May, the government agency will send out individuals to visit those that did not respond. In addition, those that did not respond receive reminders mailed to them and/or visits from the agency. The Census Bureau wants to ensure that all individuals are accounted for to provide accurate and reliable data.
What is the 2020 Census?
The Census Bureau is the government agency that is dedicated to counting every individual in the United States and its territories. The Census is conducted every ten years and provides data for the government to determine how much funding can be given to states and communities. According to the United States Census 2020 website, the Census is mandated in the Constitution under Article 1, Section 2, and has been in effect since 1970. Individuals are obligated to fill out the Census form because it is required by U.S. law.
Respondents' information is confidential and the Census Bureau cannot release and identifiable information about you. The responses are used solely for statistics and cannot be used against you by a government agency or in court.
Why is the Census important?
The Census allows the government to have a complete count of the population of the nation and its territories. This data informs the government on how best to distribute funds. The Census provides a reflection of America through the data it collects and aids the government in offering future services that are beneficial to communities. The Federal Depository Library Program explains that federal funding is allocated towards "schools, health centers, roads, housing assistance, hospitals, fire departments, and much more."
Not only does the Census distribute funding to communities based on population and need, but it uses the population to determine how many seats each state gets in Congress. The House of Representatives determines each state's number of representatives based off of the population, while each state has two representatives in the Senate. The House of Representatives is part of the legislative branch and makes and passes laws. While seats are based on population, the total number of representatives cannot exceed 435.
How will the 2020 Census be conducted?
Participants can respond via mail, phone, and now online. The online and phone options have the questionnaire available in 13 different languages, so respondents can respond in their native tongue. On March 12, the Census Bureau will mail the Census form to every household. The government agency will also provide different methods for individuals living in group situations such as marinas, RV parks, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. Household visits will also be conducted in rural and remote areas since the mailing address cannot be used in these situations. April 1st, Census Day, is the reference point for the Census. Then, beginning in May, the government agency will send out individuals to visit those that did not respond. In addition, those that did not respond receive reminders mailed to them and/or visits from the agency. The Census Bureau wants to ensure that all individuals are accounted for to provide accurate and reliable data.
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| The American Library Association published "Libraries' Guide to the 2020 Census, which incorporated a timeline of the key census activities. |
What will the 2020 Census ask?
According to the official website of the 2020 Census, the following questions will be asked:
- "How many people are living/staying at your home on April 1, 2020?"
- "Whether the home is owned or rented."
- "About the sex of each person in your home."
- "About the age of each person in your home."
- "About the race of each person in your home."
- "About whether a person in your home is of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."
- "About the relationship of each person in your home."
The 2020 Census website also states that the following will never be asked:
- "Your social security number"
- "Money/donations"
- "Anything on behalf of a political party"
- "Your bank or credit card account numbers."
The 2020 Census differs from prior censuses in that is allows an online self-response, does not ask a citizenship question, and the household relationship question now includes same-sex marriage/unmarried partners. These changes allow the agency to complete a more accurate overview of the diversity of the nation.
For More Information
The American Library Association: Libraries' Guide to the 2020 Census
For More Information
The American Library Association: Libraries' Guide to the 2020 Census
This resource provides an in-depth explanation of what the Census is and how libraries can assist/prepare for it. The material covers topics such as individuals at risk for being under counted, what is new in the 2020 Census, how individuals will receive the Census, and so on.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Oklahoma's participation in the Census will provide funding to the state, tribes, and local governments. Before the Census, Oklahoma needs to complete the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program to provide the Census Bureau with accurate data.
United States Census 2020
United States Census 2020
Visit the official website of the 2020 Census to explore the following topics: facts about the Census, how to participate, why your response matters, and privacy/security concerns. The website also has daily countdown until April 1st, Census Day.
~Emily Hancz
~Emily Hancz
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