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General Background Information
Procedure for workstations with "Library Online" tracking software
Procedure for workstations with "MyPC" tracking software
Procedure for workstations without "Library Online" or "MyPC" tracking software:
Is there any
other reason to keep this statistic, other than the fact that the state requires
it?
General Background Information
DPI's Public Library Annual Report requires Wisconsin libraries to report "Number of users of public Internet computers in the library."
According to the instructions for the report, libraries are to "report the number of individuals that have used Internet computers in the library during the last year. If the computer is used for multiple purposes (Internet, word-processing, OPAC, etc.) and Internet users cannot be isolated, report all usage. A survey tally of a typical week or longer periods, extrapolated to a full year, may be used to determine the annual number. Sign-up forms or Web-log tracking software may also provide a reliable count of users."
Essentially, you are being asked to count the number of patrons using your public Internet computers. Every time a patron uses a computer would count as one use, no matter how long they used the computer. For example, if you had a patron use a computer, then walk away for a couple of minutes, and then come back, that would count as two uses. A customer who uses the library's resources three times a week would count as three uses. Do not include staff use of these resources.
The instructions also say that "if a computer is used for multiple purposes (Internet, word-processing, OPAC, etc.) and Internet users cannot be isolated, report all usage."
Procedure for workstations with Library Online:
You can get this number for your Library Online workstations with the "Equipment Utilization Summary" report.
Remember to use the observation method for any non-Library Online workstations with Internet access, if you have any.
Procedure for workstations with MyPC:
You can get this number for your MyPC workstation with the "Booking Method Summary Report"
Procedure for workstations without Library Online or MyPC:
For workstations that do not have Library Online or MyPC, the easiest way to determine this number is to collect it for a typical week, and then "annualize" the number, by multiplying it by 52. The following information is offered as guidance. Much of this information is from the book Statistics and Performance Measures for Public Library Networked Services by John Carlo Bertot, Charles R. McClure, and Joe Ryan (American Library Association, 2001).
What
week should we collect the data?
You can choose the week. Some suggestions for choosing
a "typical week" are:
There is no "best" way. There are issues with each of the methods:
- If you choose to use observation, the best practice would be to observe use of workstations constantly, which of course is virtually impossible and highly impractical. It is recommended you observe at least every 1/2 hour, but this may not be possible either.
- Sign up sheets and patron assistance are only as reliable as your patrons are diligent in signing up or keeping track.
You
will have to choose a method that is best for your library, your staff, and
your community.
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Is there any other reason to keep this statistic, other than the fact that the state requires it?
This information may help you to:
For more information about Library Online or MyPC, contact the SCLS Help Desk.
For more information about the annual report, contact Mark Ibach.
SCLS Home | Library Management | Annual Report Information
Page created 2002. |
South Central Library System 4610 South Biltmore Lane Madison, WI 53718 (608) 246-7970 Toll-free: (855) 516-7257 |