Making a Collection Count, 2nd Edition

5

Statistics

Abstract:

With reliable data and a verified collection, it is possible to use statistics to make accurate conclusions about the collection. This chapter considers statistics like collection use, age, and turnover. These statistics are put into context like time frame to ensure reliability and accuracy. With accurate statistics, librarians have more tools at their disposal for making decisions about collection management.

Key words

statistics

collection turnover

average age

relative age

collection performance

circulation

last date circulated

ILS

collection currency

collection life cycle

Once the collection is measured, audited, and inventoried, staff can use the information they have gathered to generate statistics about the ...