Attaining key performance indicators through benchmark analytics

Purpose:Libraries are increasingly asked by their institutions and governing agencies to demonstrate that they provide value while still optimizing their collections. Existing tools provide analytics that allow libraries to... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose:

Libraries are increasingly asked by their institutions and governing agencies to demonstrate that they provide value while still optimizing their collections. Existing tools provide analytics that allow libraries to track KPIs such as collection usage, workflow processing times, number of patron requests filled, and even number of patron searches. Nevertheless, there is a growing need for industry-wide benchmarks that will allow libraries to compare themselves with others in their class.

Such benchmarking already exists for various library associations, such as the analytics available through SCONUL in the UK, DBS in Germany, and ARL in the United States. But for libraries that require more granular or, on the contrary, broader analytics in order to encompass libraries in similar situations, other means of creating benchmark KPIs are necessary.

Design, methodology or approach:

In order to provide such a platform for benchmark analytics and KPIs, Ex Libris surveyed a wide range of libraries to determine:

1. The key attributes of libraries relevant to benchmark analytics, such as size categories, staffing, type, and budget;
2. Relevant measures to include regarding collections, expenditures, service activities, and usage.

Findings:

In this presentation we will present the resulting benchmark KPIs available in Ex Libris Alma and how they can be used to demonstrate library value and efficiency.