Libstats: code.google.com/p/libstats
Libstats is an open source, web-based software program created by programmers from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It provides a way for libraries to track reference interactions at multiple service points. This software is run on Linux or Windows and requires a PHP server. For more technology requirements, see Google’s Libstats Installation Guide.
Libstats allows library staff at each service point to systematically record details about their patron encounters in order to capture important usage data. K-State Libraries made the transition to Libstats (and away from capturing reference transactions by placing tick marks on paper tally sheets) in January 2007. A wealth of information can be gleaned from the data captured. For example, data can be analyzed to make management decisions about staffing levels; service hours; staff training and continuing education needs; and improving basic library services.
Entry Form
The Add Question entry form has five drop-down menus where library staff identify information about particular patron encounters. These drop-down fields are customizable for each library service point. There are also fields for the staff member’s initials and the date and time of the interaction. Free text boxes are available for staff to enter the patron’s question and the answer provided.
Reports
Six reports (Data Dump, Questions by Date, Questions by Patron Type, Questions by Question Type, Questions by Time of Day, and Questions by Weekday) are standard with this software, but K-State Libraries also developed a new report called the “Data Dump with Questions and Answers” to allow for more in-depth analysis of transactions. The basic data dump is useful because the data can be exported into Microsoft Excel and then analyzed using pivot tables.
Common questions answered by performing a data dump are “How many instant-messaging transactions did the Library Help Desk receive within a given date range by graduate students?” or “When is the busiest time of the week at the Library Help Desk for undergraduate students compared to graduate students?”
Departments/service points using Libstats
- Hale Library Help Desk
- Fiedler Engineering Library
- Math/Physics Library
- Dow Chemical Multicultural Resource Center
- Government Documents, Maps, and Microforms
- Love Science Library
- Hale Library’s Reception Desk
- Special Collections/Archives
More information about Libstats
- Libstats home on Google Code site
- Kansas Libstats home on Google Groups
