PNNL

Abstract

Traditional measures of library performance – walk-in visitors, number of users attending presentations, classes, number of individual subscriptions processed, etc. – do not reflect the increased activity and use of library products and services. The Hanford Technical Library is physically removed from the main campus of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and thus necessitates having a robust online presence in order to effectively reach and provide services to library users. Online usage statistics have become vital in convincing Laboratory management to invest funding the library at continuing or increasing levels of demand for library services. E-serial usage statistics in particular give the Hanford Technical Library a myriad of information on user behavior, research trends, collection development, and act as important analytical tools which support resource allocation analysis, reporting, and managerial decision-making. However, there are many problems with publisher and vendor supplied usage statistics and possible solutions are proposed.