Regarding the in-house usage of print journals, we have posted signs to
patrons to not reshelve print journals that they use. Instead, we ask them
to please leave all print journals on a cart for reshelving. We then scan
these items in Sirsi under 'Mark Item Used' and generate usage statistics
with that method.

Of course, since many patrons don't read signs we give friendly reminders.
We let patrons know that, if a journal looks like it isn't being read, it
may adversely affect the subscription of that journal.

We use the same method for books that are viewed in the library but not
checked out.

Sincerely,
Kristina


Kristina Bobe, M.L.S.
Reference and Marketing Librarian
U.S. Census Bureau Library
FOB 3, Room 2455
Washington, DC 20233-1980

301-763-2511  (reference desk)
301-763-2509  (direct line)
301-457-2407  (fax)



             Jim Cornelius
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             <[log in to unmask]>          Re: Methods to determine resource
                                       use?

             08/11/2005 04:11
             PM


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      I can provide some negative information.
      Requesting patrons to indicate usage (even by such a simple method
as marking a score sheet stapled to the journal cover -- does not work
effectively.  Most ignored the sheet, and the few who marked it usually
did so only in response to a pointed request by our library tech, when
she noticed them returning the item without marking the sheet.
      Tasking the library tech with monitoring usage was also
ineffective, as her duties frequently distracted her from observing
patron behavior.
      Patron surveying has also proven ineffective for us.  Although
this Institute is fairly small, making follow-up reasonably feasible,
the return rate is too small to be useful.

Jim Cornelius, Reference Librarian
Jeannette Rankin Library Program
United States Institute of Peace
1200 17th Street, N.W., Suite 200
Washington, D.C.  20036

202 429-3851; [log in to unmask]

On Aug 11, 2005, at 1:54 PM, Janine Devereaux wrote:

> Please excuse cross-posting.  I'm appealing to as many of you as
> possible.
>
> Have you discovered successful ways to track print journal usage
> and database usage by your organization's staff?  We've been
> asked by management to use several methods to determine how much
> our resources are actually being used.  Rising subscription
> prices are a concern and most tracking methods used in libraries
> where I've previously worked didn't really provide accurate data.
> Although print journal usage is a major concern, I'm also looking
> for methods you may have used to measure database usage.
> Several of our database vendors can supply statistics on use but
> others cannot.  Also, if you have used any surveys successfully
> to help determine print journal or database usage, would you
> please send a copy to me?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Janine Devereaux, Librarian
> NOAA Coastal Services Center
> 2234 S. Hobson Ave.
> Charleston, SC 29405-2413
> Telephone: (843)740-1247  Fax: (843)740-1298
>
> Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift
> That's why they call it "the present"    (Loretta LaRoche)
>
> Any opinion expressed in this email does not necessarily reflect
> the views of the U.S. Government.