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Library Analytics and Metrics: Using data to drive decisions and services book cover

1st Edition

Library Analytics and Metrics Using data to drive decisions and services

Edited By Ben Showers Copyright 2015
    224 Pages
    by Facet Publishing

    This book will inform and inspire librarians, archivists, curators and technologists to make better use of data to help inform decision-making, the development of new services and the improvement of the user experience.

    With the wealth of data available to library and cultural heritage institutions, analytics are the key to understanding their users and improving the systems and services they offer. Using case studies to provide real-life examples of current developments and services, and packed full of practical advice and guidance for libraries looking to realize the value of their data, this will be an essential guide for librarians and information professionals.

    Library Analytics and Metrics brings together a group of internationally recognized experts to explore some of the key issues in the exploitation of data analytics and metrics in the library and cultural heritage sectors, including:

    The role of data in helping inform collections management and strategy

    Approaches to collecting, analyzing and utilizing data

    Using analytics to develop new services and improve the user experience

    Using ethnographic methodologies to better understand user behaviours

    The opportunities of library data as 'big data'

    The role of 'small data' in delivering meaningful interventions for users

    Practical advice on managing the risks and ethics of data analytics

    How analytics can help uncover new types of impact and value for institutions and organizations.

    Readership: This book will be an invaluable resource for librarians and library directors interested in developing a data-driven approach to their service provision and decision making; students on library and information science courses; and managers and practitioners in other cultural heritage sectors such as museums, archives and galleries.

    Introduction: getting the measure of analytics and metrics Library analytics The street-light effect Learning analytics About this book Chapter summaries Analytics and metrics: a brief note on definitions References 1. Library data: big and small Chapter overview Defining big and small data Small and big data in libraries CASE STUDY 1.1 The potential of data to inform personalized recommendations at the Open University Library - Richard Nurse CASE STUDY 1.2 Library ‘big data’: developing a shared analytics service for academic libraries - Ben Showers Chapter conclusion Big and small data: further resources References 2. Data-driven collections management Chapter overview The collections turn Managing the local collection Managing the ‘national’ collection CASE STUDY2.1 Building an analytics toolkit at the Harvard Library - Kim Dulin and Carli Spina CASE STUDY 2.2 Collection management analytics: the Copac Collection Management tools project - Shirley Cousins and Diana Massam Chapter conclusion Data-driven collections management: further resources References 3. Using data to demonstrate library impact and value Chapter overview Does library use have an impact on student success? The analytics turn in libraries The ethics of impact CASE STUDY 3.1 Library impact data: investigating library use and student attainment - Graham Stone CASE STUDY 3.2 Retention, student success and academic engagement at Minnesota - Shane Nackerud, Jan Fransen, Kate Peterson and Kristen Mastel CASE STUDY 3.3 The Library Cube:revealing the impact of library use on student performance - Brian Cox and Margie Jantti Chapter conclusion: from knowing to showing! Library impact and value: further resources Notes References 4. Going beyond the numbers: using qualitative research to transform the library user experience Chapter overview Qualitative research and the user experience Qualitative research and emerging user needs A mix of skills and methodologies CASE STUDY 4.1 Utilizing qualitative research methods to measure library effectiveness: developing an engaging library experience - Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Erin M. Hood and Carrie E. Vass CASE STUDY 4.2 Ethnographic techniques and new visions for libraries - Donna Lanclos Chapter conclusion Qualitative library research: further resources Note References 5. Web and social media metrics for the cultural heritage sector Chapter overview Web metrics and analytics in the cultural heritage sector The social web The future of web metrics CASE STUDY 5.1 The web impact of cultural heritage institutions - David Stuart CASE STUDY 5.2 'Let’s Get Real': A Journey Towards Understanding and Measuring Digital Engagement - Sejul Malde, Jane Finnis, Anra Kennedy, Elena Villaespesa, Seb Chan and Mia Ridge Chapter conclusion Social and media metrics: further resources References 6. Understanding and managing the risks of analytics Chapter overview Redrawing the boundaries of privacy Whose data is it anyway? The importance of data flows CASE STUDY 6.1 The legal, risk and ethical aspects of analytics - Ian Chowcat, David Kay and Naomi Korn Chapter conclusion Understanding the risks of analytics: further resources References 7. Conclusion: towards a data-driven future? References

    Biography

    Ben Showers

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