A model for a library‐management toolbox. Data warehousing as a tool for filtering and analyzing statistical information from multiple sources
| Published date | 11 May 2012 |
| Pages | 253-260 |
| Date | 11 May 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121211242290 |
| Author | Markku Laitinen,Jarmo Saarti |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
A model for a library-management
toolbox
Data warehousing as a tool for filtering and
analyzing statistical information from multiple
sources
Markku Laitinen
National Library of Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, and
Jarmo Saarti
University of Eastern Finland Library, Kuopio, Finland
Abstract
Purpose – Quality management, and its associated evidence-based ideology, have influenced library
managementfrom at least the beginning ofthe 1990s. Both concepts emphasizethat decisions have to be
based on facts. Libraries have a long history of using statistics in data collection due to international
agreementsand standards. Although there is muchdata available in the libraries, perhapsthis collected
data have not been utilized as effectively as possible. This paper aims to discuss the possibilities of
combining differenttypes of statistical data in orderto measure the efficiency of the work being done in
libraries and what possible impact they can have in their parent organizations. It also aimsto use the
concept of data warehousing as a tool for joining different types of statistical data in the analysis.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a case study with statistical analysis of library
data collected and a conceptual analysis of possibilities in the data warehousing of the library and
library-related data in order to improve its analysis.
Findings – The authors suggest that in order to improve the analysis of the library statistical data
towards the actual effects the library has, for example, to the learning and research done within
university, one must start to develop statistical data systems that enable the combination of different
types of statistical data. This needs co-operation between different vendors and government officials
in defining the statistical data collected.
Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on Finnish experiences and the data
warehousing model should be tested empirically and developed further due to the challenges in the
conformity of the data collected.
Practical implications – The paper presents ideas and possibilities to evolve the library statistical
data analysis.
Social implications – The paper presents ideas for national and international bodies in how to
develop statistical data systems and their interoperability.
Originality/value – The paper promotes the idea of combining library and other statistical data
collected in order to provide better tools for library management.
Keywords Evaluation,Impact assessment, Data warehousing,Data management, Statistics,
University libraries, Finland
Paper type Case study
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
This paper was presented at the 3rd QQML International Conference, 24-27 May 2011, Athens,
Greece on the sub-theme of Management. The authors are grateful to Dr Ewen MacDonald for
revising the English.
A library-
management
toolbox
253
Received 18 September 2011
Accepted 1 December 2011
Library Management
Vol. 33 No. 4/5, 2012
pp. 253-260
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435121211242290
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