StatBase: library statistics made easy
| Date | 09 September 2014 |
| Pages | 546-559 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-04-2014-0031 |
| Published date | 09 September 2014 |
| Author | Alexandria Payne,John Curtis |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
StatBase: library statistics
made easy
Alexandria Payne
Department of Digital Services & Information Technology,
Newport News Public Library System, Newport News, Virginia, USA, and
John Curtis
Department of Technical Services, Newport News Public Library System,
Newport News, Virginia, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail a Library open source software (OSS) development
project resulting in the launch of StatBase, a statistical gathering and data visualization tool, so that
organizations can adopt a locally managed alternative to costly data aggregation tools.
Design/methodology/approach – This casestudy is based on a literature review, Agile development
framework, and user experience modeling. The software solution features a Joomla framework with
contributed modules and open source architecture.
Findings – This case study demonstrates the creation and practical implementation of a scalable OSS
platform for data management and analysis.
Practical implications – Provides a frame of reference and methodology for libraries, both public
and academic, seeking to implement a web-based resource to gather, organize, and interpret statistical
metrics via a centralized, lightweight, open source architecture.
Originality/value – This case study provides a detailed scope and step-by-step technolog y process
description by which an organization can adopt or model the StatBase solution for business metrics.
Keywords Library management, Systems analysis, Public libraries, Data analysis,
Design and development, Technology led strategy
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Institutions are tasked with monitoring their efforts in subjective, outcome-based,
as well as objective, numerical-based, assessment which must then translate into
a collective measurement determining an organization’s respective success. In order
to do this, an organization must gather, consolidate, and manipulate large volumes
of descriptive statistics. From this mass metric, the information organization must then
attempt to provide usage trends and insight into the viability of business processes.
StatBase was designed to help meet these demands.
Background
The Newport News Public Library System collects standardized metr ics for each core
service area, including Reference, Circulation, Technology Services, and Patron
Registration. From 1999 to 2011, roughly 3,698 statistical entries were collected and
stored in various spreadsheet for mats resulting in over 170 individual documents
deposited in folders on a shared file server. Essentially, the Library’s data hierarchy
consisted of individual metric categories, per Library Branch location, p er fiscal year.
So, each metric within a fiscal year required a data set representative of location, type,
span (date or range), and sum.
Statistical entry prior to the adoption of StatBase was served via a Visual Basic (VB)
enhanced Microsoft Excel worksheet collection. The workflow for data entr y within
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Received 1 April 2014
Revised 12 May 2014
30 May 2014
Accepted 25 June 2014
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 32 No. 3, 2014
pp. 546-559
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-04-2014-0031
546
LHT
32,3
To continue reading
Request your trial