Wednesday, October 19, 2016

One of the most important reasons for organizations to gather and analyze statistics, indicators, or outcomes is to use these findings to make decisions. This session looks at tools and approaches public libraries are using to drive improvements and determine when to say yes and when to say no. Davis gives an update on what libraries are learning from Project Outcome, an online platform for all public libraries, large, medium and small, to measure their programs’ outcomes. For the first time, public libraries have free access to their own outcomes data as well as an aggregated set of performance measurement data and analysis tools. Jones describes how Brampton is investigating customer journeys by integrating its Project Outcomes data with customer borrowing and entry statistics, plus the indicators obtained through LiveGauge, a system that helps measure the impact of library spaces and merchandising. Murphy explains how Sno-Isle Libraries uses facts instead of emotions to determine which great ideas go forward. Using its example of whether or not to circulate wireless hotspots to the public, she clarifies how to identify the numbers that matter and evaluate perceived vs. actual impact.