[WEB4LIB] re: public library usage statistics

[Elena OMalley]

Michael:

I'd agree, they're probably most useful for identifying trends over time. 
That's true of many statistics. 

We sometimes refer to them as schmatistics around here. :)

On the other hand, it can help to compare notes on those trends with
other institutions, so I think developing some recommended basic 
standards for trend-benchmarking purposes is worthwhile.

Elena O'Malley

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael J. Dargan [mailto:dargan at gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2005 12:43 PM
To: Elena OMalley; 'Multiple recipients of list'
Subject: RE: [WEB4LIB] re: public library usage statistics


Hello--

Before you decide what stats to gather and how to present them, take a look
at the latest edition of Stephen Turner's "How the Web Works," at
http://www.analog.cx/docs/webworks.html as well as Jeff Goldberg's "Why web
usages statistics (are worse than) meaningless," at
http://www.goldmark.org/netrants/webstats/

Turner gives a very lucid explanation of what can and cannot tell from usage
logs.  Goldberg overstates the case, methinks, but also makes some valid
points.  Reminds me of the old saying, "figures don't lie, but liars
figure."

Probably the best use of stats from webserver logs is to show the rise or
fall of webserver loads over time.

Sorry to be so glum on such a beautiful mid-winter day (in Iowa, at least!).

Michael J. Dargan
Technical Services Librarian
Waterloo & Cedar Falls Public Libraries 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of Elena OMalley
> Sent: Friday, February 04, 2005 11:27 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: [WEB4LIB] re: public library usage statistics
> 
> Jim,
> 
> I think NISO has been working on developing standards for this, but I
> think it's
> still in draft form.
> http://www.niso.org/emetrics/current/
> 
> Good luck with your project,
> Elena O'Malley
> __
> Elena O'Malley, Head of Library Computer and Internet Services
> Emerson College Library, Boston, MA 02116
> 
> > I apologize if this topic has been covered previously. The public
> > library where I work is becoming increasingly interested in measuring
> > and evaluating the public's use of its branch library web pages.  Are
> > there any forums or resources available for sharing and comparing usage
> > statistics for public library web sites?
>