Description
Book SynopsisThis book shows how to act on and make sense of data in libraries. Using a range of techniques, tools and methodologies it explains how data can be used to help inform decision making at every level.
Sound data analytics is the foundation for making an evidence-based case for libraries, in addition to guiding myriad organizational decisions, from optimizing operations for efficiency to responding to community needs. Designed to be useful for beginners as well as those with a background in data, this book introduces the basics of a six point framework that can be applied to a variety of library settings for effective system based, data-driven management.
Library Improvement Through Data Analytics
includes:the basics of statistical concepts
recommended data sources for various library functions and processes, and guidance for using census, university, or government data in analysis
techniques for cleaning data
matching data to appropriate data analysis methods
how to make descriptive statistics more powerful by spotlighting relationships
14 practical case studies, covering topics such as access and retrieval, digitization, e-book collection development, staffing, facilities, and instruction.
This book's clear, concise coverage will enable librarians, archivists, curators and technologists of every experience level to gain a better understanding of statistics in order to facilitate library improvement.
Trade ReviewData-driven decision-making is essential for effective library management in the 21st century. But the tools to develop that analysis are not readily available for library administrators. “Library Improvement through Data Analytics” is a practical guide with clear and detailed steps for applying Six Sigma, an effective model for targeted library improvement analysis. Applying this technique to library processes and programs can improve performance and productivity, reduce expenses and increase satisfaction of users and staff. The compelling case studies will support library administrators in deploying these important tools to make the case successfully for their libraries -- Susan Hildreth
Table of ContentsPART I: OVERVIEW 1. Introduction 2. Planning with Six Sigma PART II: SIX SIGMA STEPS 3. Defining the Project 4. Measure the Current Situation 5. Analyze Existing Processes 6. Improve or Introduce the Process 7. Control the Process PART III: A STATISTICS PRIMER 8. Cleaning Data 9. Getting Started with Statistics 10. Matching Data Analytic Methods to Data 11. Statistical and Survey Software for Libraries PART IV: CASE STUDIES 12. Access and Retrieval: Case Study 13. Benchmarking Library Standards: Case Study 14. Data Sets: Case Study 15. Digitization: Case Study 16. Ebook Collection Development: Case Study 17. Facilities: Case Study 18. Information Audit: Case Study 19. Instruction: Case Study 20. Knowledge Management: Case Study 21. Lending Devices: Case Study 22. Marketing Virtual Reference Services: Case Study 23. Optimizing Online Use: Case Study 24. Reference Staffing Patterns: Case Study 25. True Costs of Acquisitions: Case Study with Implications for Selection Practice
