Paper Title
LEVERAGING LIBRARY ANALYTICS AND METRICS FOR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND ENHANCEMENTAbstract
In an era where data-driven decision-making is becoming the norm, libraries are increasingly turning to analytics and metrics to assess their performance, enhance user experience, and justify funding. Literature on the application of library analytics and metrics for performance evaluation is already available and has already been extensively surveyed. From that, one can explore the evolution of performance metrics in libraries, the types of data collected, the analytical techniques employed, and the impact of these practices on library management and service provision. Understanding the key concepts is important before tracing the historical development of performance evaluation in libraries. The different types of metrics commonly used in libraries are generally categorized as usage statistics, user satisfaction surveys, bibliometrics, and altmetrics. Of course, one needs to examine how these metrics are applied in different library contexts, including academic, public, and special libraries. A systematic exploration of contemporary analytical techniques, including descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics is a necessary preliminary in this context. The benefits from the use of big data and Machine Learning in library analytics are paramount. There are many case studies available where these technologies have been successfully implemented. In this context, library professionals are required to address the challenges and limitations associated with library analytics, such as data privacy concerns, the need for skilled personnel, and the risk of over-reliance on quantitative metrics. They need to understand the ethical considerations and best practices for implementing library analytics to gain a balanced perspective. They are also duty bound to look at the future trends in library analytics, emphasizing the potential for integrated, real-time analytics systems, and the growing importance of user-centered metrics. This article makes an attempt to provide a comprehensive resource for library professionals seeking to understand and apply analytics for performance evaluation, ultimately contributing to more effective and efficient library services.
KEYWORDS : Information Management; Performance Measurement; Library Analytics; Big Data; and Machine Learning.