Managing with data : using ACRLMetrics and PLAmetrics

Both the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Public Library Association (PLA) provide important data services. For library managers and administrators, the key to the data's usefulness is knowing how to extract and apply the most relevant information to managing a library and improving accountability. A companion volume to the authors' earlier book Getting Started with Evaluation, this guide illustrates how to use the data to support value, collection use, benchmarking, and other best practices. This important resource

Identifies key metrics in ACRLMetrics and PLAmetrics Demonstrates how to perform techniques for developing and using metrics Offers exercises that illustrate how to produce meaningful metrics and reports, accessible via a free web portal Shows how to move towards outcomes assessments while simultaneously embracing value Includes numerous examples to guide readers through the data services' web interfaces screen-by-screen

Managers at academic and public libraries, administrators, and library trustees will find this book a vital tool for accountability and advocacy.

List of figures, tables, and text boxes -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- The context for libraries today and beyond -- Accountability -- Collections -- Services -- Staffing -- Benchmarking and benchmarking studies -- Best practices -- Moving towards outcomes assessment while embracing value -- Use -- Presenting the findings -- Managing with data (evidence) -- Appendix: answers to chapter exercises -- About the authors.