University News
2010 Census: It Counts
March 23, 2010
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University Libraries' Government Information and Data Services Librarian Linda Zellmer is encouraging people to fill out their 2010 Census forms.
"By now WIU students, faculty and staff, as well as local community members, should have received their 2010 Census Questionnaire," said Zellmer. "Faculty and staff at University Libraries would like to encourage everyone to complete and return the form as soon as possible. The Census is a survey of all people, both citizens and non-citizens. People who live in an area more than 50 percent of the year should list the area in which they reside during that 50-percent time period," she explained.
According to Zellmer, this year's form asks 10 questions, including the number of people in a residence, their relationship, name, sex, age, date of birth, race/ethnicity and home ownership. Zellmer explained it is important for individuals to complete the questionnaire because census data is used to re-draw legislative boundaries for the U.S. House of Representatives, state legislatures and local voting districts.
"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2010 Census determines how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year for the next 10 years will be spent on infrastructure and services," Zellmer noted. "The information compiled from the census determines the amount of state and federal dollars the area receives, so it is vital that every McDonough County resident be counted."
For an introduction to the 2010 Census Questionnaire, Zellmer created a PowerPoint file that can be accessed and downloaded at faculty.wiu.edu/LR-Zellmer/CensusIntro.pptx.
In addition, Zellmer noted, the U.S. Census Bureau has a website for the 2010 Census at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/.
"The website provides information about why it is necessary, how it works and who should complete the forms. Users can select from multiple languages, view videos from real people and how the census information collected impacted them. The site even includes a section, 'Census on Campus,' to discuss how important it is for students to participate," she said.
For questions about the 2010 Census Questionnaire, Zellmer advised individuals to call the Regional Census Center in Chicago at (312) 454-2700 or visit the 2010 Census website (http://2010.census.gov/2010census/).
Zellmer can be reached at (309) 298-2723 or LR-Zellmer@wiu.edu. Visit University Libraries online at www.wiu.edu/library/.
Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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