Tips From the Trenches

Abstract

Just what does usage mean? And how does it relate to value? Is there a fair way to ascertain the value of resources? In regards to library resources, “use” can simply be an arbitrary quantitative concept. Knowing that searches and sessions are considered input measures while result clicks and views are output measures helps the process. With electronic resources, we parse our usage statistics (when we can get them) to arrive at a cost per use, and define whether that use is a view, a printout, or a download. Of course, there are discrepancies as we examine different e-resources; for instance, cost-per-use can be very different with e-books—the definition of a “section” varies from vendor to vendor, and vendors' attempts to limit mass downloading mean that some e-book titles have page number limits with no correlation to chapter length. Analysis of usage data and other qualitative measures as part of a systematic review of current and potential e-resources highlights underutilized resources, access issues, and potential sources. We review and study those indicators of use to arrive at a conclusion of value, where we look at the bottom line—does the institution receive a good value in regards to particular resources, and should they be retained or replaced.