Currently ‘data’ is the current buzzword in all organisations, not least in the library and cultural heritage sectors. Libraries have been collecting data about their services and collections for a very long time and producing statistics and reports. However, data are just raw facts until analysis is done and the question of why the data are being collected needs to be considered. A quote used in this book best sums this up: ‘Counting the countable that can be easily counted renders impact illegitimate’ (p. 116).
This book aims to explore the full potential of analytics and metrics in libraries, which has been made easier and more prolific through electronic collection methods. These analytics and metrics have the potential to drive better management decisions, create new user services and provide tailored services for patrons. To achieve this aim, the book is set out in seven sections, each written by well-known experts. The areas covered are the collection of big and small data in libraries, data-driven collection development, use of analytics to promote library impact and value, a qualitative approach to analytics, the impact of web and social media metrics, and the ethical and legal questions of new data collection techniques. The final chapter examines the future direction of analytics for libraries and directs the reader to consider the broader issues in this area.
The case studies at the end of each section are current and provide practical examples on how new areas of analytics and metrics are being applied in a variety of institutions. The lists of further information about the case studies and resources encourage the reader to further investigate the subject area.
The book is well-written in language suitable for an intelligent non-expert reader. The structure of the book leads the reader logically from one theme to another. Of particular interest are the ethical and moral aspects and impact of new data-gathering methods that may seem to be in breach of long-held positions on the privacy of library patrons. Likewise, the use of ethnographers in the library, examining qualitative data that is gathered, provides much-needed balance against the dominant presence of quantitative data analysis.
I highly recommend this book for librarians in public and special libraries and in libraries in the education sector – that is, for all librarians. It is a particularly invaluable resource for those working with library analytics and metrics. This book inspires the reader to reflect on why they collect the data they do and its potential wider use. It has found a permanent place in my personal library, and I will certainly be following up on many of the resources listed within it.
National Library of New Zealand
© 2015, Diana Fehsenfeld
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2015.1100267