This paper is based on a case study of how the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) is actively using library statistics to promote and advocate for better library services for its users in a new digital environment.
Utah State Library suggests “Avoid presenting library statistics only at budget time. They should be used continuously; your audience should get used to seeing information about the library”
Quality assurance and usage of statistics for purposes other than reporting to Management are fairly new concepts at CPUT Libraries. We realized that we need to promote our activities, determine our return on investment and show what value we add to the lives of our clients. This could be determined by the increase in the quality of work done and services used by the different market segments. Four market segments have been identified namely, CPUT management, library staff, faculty and students.
For each type of client statistics has to be used differently in order to be meaningful. Students today are largely part of Generation Y otherwise known as the Net generation. They are digitally native and largely prefer to learn from peers than authority figures. Suggestions have been made that they respond better to buzz marketing and want to be directly involved, i.e. stimulated, engaged and empowered during the marketing process.
This paper will look at a number of ideas implemented in 2011 and planned for 2012, for example, including advanced analysis, presented simply and graphically for institutional programme reviews, the concept of the E-book fair resulting directly from usage statistics, Library @ a glance pamphlets, etc.
Key findings are also included.
Ms D Becker has working in academic libraries for the past 25 years and has held a number of positions at Cape Peninsula University of Technology Libraries including Aleph Systems Librarian and Branch Librarian. As Librarian: Quality Assurance she has developed a statistical database which is currently used by staff at CPUT Libraries and has co-ordinated a number of projects including the implementation of the CPUT Libraries’ digital repository. Ms Becker achieved her Library Diploma cum laude and was recipient of the Principle‘s bronze medal. She is also qualified Education, Training and Development Practitioner and Assessor. She has co-authored publications and presentations on various topics.
Mrs. Hartle has worked in academic libraries for 12 years and is presently the Marketing Librarian at Cape Peninsula University of Technology(CPUT). She has a B.Bibl degree from The University of the Western Cape and B.Bibl Honours from the University of Cape Town. She has had the opportunity to work across the diverse campuses at the University of Cape Town and CPUT, which has fed her interest in identifying and understanding market segments, as well as identifying the gaps in existing markets at CPUT.
Impressed by #p133 from Cape Peninsula Uni, SA, 11 official lang. to work with but still v. successful marketing lib services #iatul2012
— Alison Stevenson (@AlisonStevensn) June 4, 2012
#p133 #iatul2012 I hope my boss isn’t looking at this session on data usage and thinking we need it at home!
— Peter Green (@lgreenpd) June 4, 2012
#p133 CPUT have built a ‘data warehouse’ for their library statistics. Allows staff to use the stats they gather. #iatul2012
— Peter Green (@lgreenpd) June 4, 2012
#iatul2012 #p133 whoa. They created a statistical database at Cape Peninsula Uni of Tech (CPUT). Am interested scene behind # crunching
— Edward Lim (@BarbarianEd) June 4, 2012