[Michlib-l] MeL Minute: Demonstrate Your Library's Value with Data

[Laura Warren-Gross]

[cid:image002.png at 01DB93EF.F73DC950]I recently attended Michigan Library Association’s webinar “Data Storytelling for Libraries.” It made me think about how in libraries, like many other places, progress and success are measured by data. We are often asked to provide evidence of library value. How we obtain, interpret, and share our data can demonstrate this value to our communities. The Michigan eLibrary<https://mel.org/welcome> (MeL) includes eBooks and articles that can help library staff members learn how to gather and utilize data.

How do I gather data?
Being able to communicate effectively and convey the story of the library through data is one of the best ways to engage a community and get them excited about your mission. Say it with Data: A Concise Guide to Making Your Case and Getting Results<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=8d23fe68-683a-3d93-af32-9216d9dba94a> in the eBook Academic Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e000xna> is a good place to start when learning about data and libraries. It includes methods used to gather, measure, and present data including communication strategies and checklists to help prepare for surveys, focus groups, and presentations. There are also sample surveys and results analysis.

Which chart would work best?
Another eBook in the eBook Academic Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e000xna> can help us understand the principles of data visualization and which type of chart will work to best convey our data. Better Data Visualizations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=3025b294-e3dc-3f57-8981-f6cf8f9bb568> also includes information to help decide which colors and symbols will make a chart most readable and examples of tools that can be used to create graphs and charts.

Show me examples!
If you’re looking for examples of how a library has carried out successful data collection to make decisions, Jane Martel’s article "Creating Value From Data: Informing Decisions & Improving Public Library Services<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=67a7742c-3aee-31b2-a3f8-8436090e9dd9>" from American Libraries<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edspub&AN=edp3941&site=pfi-live> in Library & Information Science Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-lls>, provides examples of how different departments in her library system have used data to make decisions about their purchasing, programs, and services. Reviewing data across departments helped to better understand how to improve vital areas of the library including summer reading, facilities, outreach, and resource allocation.

As libraries are asked to demonstrate their value in communities, use the eBook Academic Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e000xna> and Library & Information Science Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-lls> from MeL<https://mel.org/welcome> to locate additional helpful content and learn best practices in data collection and sharing methods to make clear and convincing points about the materials, services, and programs the library provides to its patrons.

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp at mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp at mcls.org> for help.

Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team.

Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First.

Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs,  visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks.

MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.


Laura Warren-Gross
MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services
517-481-2022
warren-grossl at mcls.org
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