The number of states from which Star Libraries hail has averaged 40 for the five LJI editions and remained the same in 2012 as in 2011, at 39 (see 2012 Stars in first map below, and the five-edition average in the second map below). Still, the list of specific states enjoying this distinction changes slightly each year. In this LJI edition, Louisiana and Nevada rejoined the group of Star Library states, eliminating Idaho and Florida from the tally. Throughout the five editions, the performance of two powerhouse states—New York and Ohio—has been constant and impressive. It is no overstatement to say that these two have dominated the ratings, with New York averaging nearly 36 Star Libraries per edition and Ohio, 34. Kansas is the next highest state with a per edition Star Library average of 18.

To date, no library from Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota, or Tennessee has received LJI Star awards. As we have noted in the past, certain factors contribute to an uneven distribution of Star Libraries among the states. Since the LJ Index groups are based on operating expenditures, states having fewer libraries, fewer and smaller metropolitan areas, and more rural communities tend to suffer a competitive disadvantage. Also, in most cases only libraries with exceptionally high per capita values make the cut into the top tiers of each expenditure category. These libraries may enjoy funding and demographic advantages, deliver services to recipients beyond their official population counts, or report higher per capita data due to decreasing populations. Statistically speaking, it is natural that these and related library characteristics would not automatically be distributed evenly across states and geographic regions.