Research Guides: Usage Statistics: Best Practices

Newton Gresham Library: Usage Statistics Best Practices

There are a number of "best" or ideal practices and policies when it comes to library resources' usage statistics. This information has been gleamed from trainings, readings, and seeing what all other libraries are doing with statistics.

Always use the LIB_ERL email account when setting up a NGL admin account or login for usage statistics
Keep track of all changes of all NGL accounts/admin logins and update it in CORAL accordingly
Allow up to 3 weeks after the end of each quarter before you start collecting usage stats. Not all vendors make usage data available in real time.
Request API reports from System Admin Specialist (M.Thompson) for subject annual costs' monthly - 3x a year. Use this data to update LibInsight datasets as well as subject dashboards (data viz)
Run a report of Databases (RAS), EJournal, Ebook subs and Streaming Media subscriptions' Cost History Titles from SIRSI Workflows at the beginning of each FY and save this spreadsheet on the shared Tech Services drive under "Usage Statistics/Cost Analysis Statistics"

Usage Statistics team

As a team, we are attempting to create a workflow that is efficient (and automated as much as possible) for gathering usage stats, adding in cost information, and then analyzing and sharing this information with subject selectors, R&I and other administrators to make the best decisions for future NGL subscriptions and budgets.

USAGE STATISTICS: meaningful statistics regarding the use (or lack thereof) and cost of Newton Gresham Library's electronic resources.

Kat Landry Mueller: Electronic Resources Librarian (ext. 41625)

Coordinate gathering of database usage and cost statistics for databases, streaming media & eBooks (done by ER LA II)
Analyze and create visual representations for database usage and costs statistics
Prepare reports and/or spreadsheets to share with subject librarians on usage of online resources with regard to renewals
Supervisor to Jermie Aldridge

Michael Hanson: Head of Technical Services (ext. 41620)

Primary person for reporting annual statistics: ACRL & IPEDS
Coordinate gathering of usage and cost statistics for ejournals (including packages)
Determine which ejournal packages have static or dynamic title lists. Record and share that information.

Zach Valdes: Electronic Metadata Librarian (ext. 42512)

Assist with gathering of usage and cost statistics for ebooks and multimedia (streaming video)
Assist Michael with ACRL/IPEDS annual statistics

De'Andre Hoskins: Electronic Resources Library Assistant II (ext. 41116)

Assists with saving usage statistics spreadsheets.
Uploads usage statistics into LibInsight