Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to knowledge and resources. To maintain their relevance and effectiveness, libraries must continually assess and improve their services. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through year-end statistical usage reporting. This practice helps libraries understand their impact, justify their existence, and plan for the future.
Year-end statistical usage reporting is not just a routine task for libraries; it is a strategic tool that supports their mission and goals. Below are the top reasons why year-end statistical reporting is critical to libraries and some insight into how Alma™ helps facilitate it.
Top Reasons Why Year-End Statistical Reporting is Critical for Libraries
Understanding Library Impact
Year-end statistical usage reports provide an overview of how library resources and services are being utilized. These reports typically include data on circulation statistics, resource usage, and more. By analyzing this data, libraries can gain insights into which services are most popular and which areas may need improvement.
Justifying Library Funding
At a time where budget cuts are a constant threat, libraries must demonstrate their value to stakeholders. Year-end statistical usage reports serve as a powerful tool by presenting concrete data on what resources they utilize. With this type of data, libraries can make a compelling case for continued or increased funding.
Planning for the Future
Effective planning is essential for any organization, and libraries are no exception. Year-end statistical usage reports provide the data needed to make informed decisions about future initiatives and collection decisions. For instance, if the data shows a growing trend in the use of e-books or on a particular topic, the library might allocate more resources to expand in a particular area.
Enhancing Accountability and Transparency
In today’s world, accountability and transparency are more important than ever. Year-end statistical usage reports help libraries demonstrate their commitment to these principles. Libraries can build trust with their patrons and stakeholders by openly sharing data on how resources are being used.
Supporting Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy is a critical component of library operations. Year-end statistical usage reports are invaluable in this regard. Evidence needed to advocate for policies and initiatives that support libraries can be drawn from year-end statistical usage reports. Whether it’s lobbying for increased funding, advocating for better access to digital resources, or promoting the importance of literacy programs, having solid data to back up these efforts is essential.
How Alma Supports Year-End Statistical Reporting
Ex Libris™ Alma is a comprehensive library management system that significantly enhances the year-end statistical reporting process. Here are some of the ways Alma supports libraries in this crucial task:
- Detailed Analytics and Out-of-the-Box Reports: Alma provides detailed analytics and pre-configured reports that simplify data collection and analysis. Libraries can easily generate reports on acquisitions, expenditures, circulation, and more.
- Managing COUNTER-Compliant Usage Data: Alma supports the collection and reporting of e-resource usage statistics in COUNTER format and supports various COUNTER report types. This allows libraries to analyze e-resource usage and costs effectively. Alma can automatically harvest usage data from vendors using the SUSHI protocol or they can be manually updated.
- Customizable Reports: Alma’s analytics tools allow libraries to create specific reports tailored to their needs. Libraries can select relevant data points and filter based on various criteria such as timeframes, library locations, and patron groups.
- Scheduled Reporting: Alma enables libraries to schedule reports to be generated and delivered automatically via email. This ensures timely access to data and reduces the manual effort required for report generation.
By leveraging the advanced features of Alma, libraries can streamline the year-end reporting process, gain deeper insights, and ultimately better serve their communities. Equipping your library with a full-featured solution will help you and your staff address the complexities of year-end reporting through automation, extensive capabilities, and simplified workflows.
Contact us to learn more about Alma and it’s the right choice to strengthen your library for the future.
