Using Data and Analytics in Access Services to Direct Change for Sustainable Services

Abstract

Libraries routinely collect all kinds of data about access and circulation services — gate counts, circulation counts, overdue books, fines paid, missing and lost books, room reservations, desk service interactions, etc. How can this data be retrieved, analyzed, and used to inform and direct changes for improved and sustainable services? This presentation shares practical experiences in using a library’s data and reports to pose questions about access and circulation services. What questions should we consider asking? What can data tell us about our service and work? What kind of reports can we request and how do we get the information and reports? Although the experiences shared are from an academic library setting, the presenters will share how topics and methods can be adapted to other library settings.