Is Your Library Using Data Effectively? Here’s How to Know

Data has become an essential tool for helping libraries make strategic decisions to meet the needs of their communities and build libraries that draw community members in. While library staff have always used data in some form or another, new analytics platforms make data analysis easier than ever, empowering libraries to identify key trends at a glance and turn information into action that drives engagement.

“Data has always been important, but we’ve evolved to a place where it is readily accessible to libraries. Gleaning valuable insights doesn’t require the significant resources, time, and effort it has in the past,” says Sara Roberts, product manager for LibraryIQ.

Traditionally, library staff have focused on evaluating collections data. While analyzing collections and circulation is very important, there are other types of data that are invaluable in providing a complete picture.

Following are six types of data that library staff should routinely be collecting, analyzing, and using to drive decision making, according to Roberts.

Collections

Understanding collection composition, including which items are circulating and which aren’t, is important in helping libraries ensure their materials budget is being spent wisely and shelves are stocked with materials that community members want.

“Using collection data to ensure that materials are circulating well will drive better overall engagement with the library,” Roberts says.

Trends change over time, and something that circulated well at one time might no longer be circulating now. “It’s important to keep your finger on the pulse of those trends as they evolve,” Roberts notes.

Looking at circulation data can also help with balancing collections across branches effectively. In some cases, it is not about purchasing additional materials and more about reallocating items from one branch to another to meet the needs of those local populations.

Patron

It’s important to know what patrons are interested in to tailor programming and services around local interests. Just as important, library staff should understand which patrons are actively engaging with the library on a regular basis and which aren’t. Are you only drawing a certain age group or demographic population and if so, why?

“Libraries may only be serving a small percentage of their total population,” Roberts says. “Understanding who those people are and how to reach beyond them, while still keeping the core group engaged, is critical to ensuring strong engagement.”

By analyzing patron information, library staff can answer questions such as: Who specifically is engaging with our resources? Where are they most actively engaged—and how can we better reach those who aren’t?

Community

Library staff should look beyond cardholders to understand their communities at large. By understanding community demographics and key characteristics—where do they shop? What do they like to do? Are they mostly families with children? —library staff are able to build programs and collections to drive engagement much more effectively by providing the tailored experience people have come to expect.

Understanding community makeup also helps with identifying barriers that might be standing in the way of library use. Is there a language barrier to overcome? Does a large segment of the population not drive or own a car? Transportation barriers might be solved by creating “pop-up” libraries or offering services at community events in that area to draw community members in.

“Traditionally, libraries have worked hard to reach community members by establishing a presence beyond their buildings,” Roberts says. “While there’s nothing wrong with that approach, we believe that libraries can be far more targeted if they better understand demographics of the underserved, where they live, and what barriers might keep them from using the library. When libraries are informed with data, they can be creative in reaching people in new and different ways.”

Diversity

Libraries build offerings with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind. “Data is a game-changer in guiding these efforts,” Roberts observes. For instance, library staff can use data analysis tools to identify the makeup and performance of their DEI collection.

“Diversity in communities is constantly changing,” Roberts says, “so it’s important to assess this data regularly. Real-time data helps libraries keep their finger on the pulse of what communities need and whether the collection has appropriately diverse materials and services to meet those needs.”

Performance

Libraries have long reported on performance, whether that’s to the IMLS, library boards, local government leaders, or other stakeholders. But doing so can be a resource-intensive process, one that historically has been very manual and based on spreadsheets.

Integrating all of a library’s performance data into a single platform makes this process much simpler. It also allows library staff to see trends over time and make adjustments accordingly in real-time rather than only reflecting and adjusting once per year.

“There is value in spotting a trend a few months in, particularly if it is negative, then waiting to uncover it at the end of the year,” Roberts says. “The more data libraries have, the more informed they will be, and the more confident they can feel making decisions. Performance reporting shouldn’t be about checking a box. It should be about using performance analytics to learn and understand how services can be improved to better meet the needs of the community.”

Programming

Library programming should be based on community need and interest. Library staff should study collection performance, community demographics, and patron preferences to develop tailored programs to draw in a wide audience. Programs must be tracked and analyzed to understand how the community responds in order to make strategic decisions moving forward. Library programs are most successful when they are targeted and relevant. The strategy of attempting to have something for everyone is a waste of valuable time and resources.

How LibraryIQ can help

“None of this work is easy,” Roberts notes. But there are tools that simplify access, aggregation, and analysis of all this information, making it easy for library staff to use a wider array of data to serve their communities more effectively.

The LibraryIQ Platform is one such tool. Developed by librarians for librarians, the IQ Platform empowers library staff with real-time insights based on data from multiple sources, including the Library's ILS, census information, demographic data, and other commonly-used tools.

“We set out to develop this Platform based on firsthand experience as librarians who were tired of the challenges associated with accessing and using data, and we saw a need for an industry-specific solution,” Roberts says. “For library staff, being able to access up-to-date data from multiple sources is essential, and the LibraryIQ Platform makes it possible.”

Request a free demonstration of the IQ Platform at any time through the LibraryIQ website.

SPONSORED BY