This article was originally posted on Library Journal.

The LibraryIQ platform is a comprehensive, cloud-based analytics tool developed “by librarians, for librarians,” says CEO Todd Frager. It pulls information from a library’s ILS and other commonly used data systems into a single, easy-to-use dashboard, giving librarians real-time insights to support collections management, budgeting, strategic planning, and patron engagement.

“Typically, librarians have to pull data into spreadsheets manually in order to make data-driven decisions,” says Joe McAvoy vice president of sales. “This is a very labor-intensive process.” LibraryIQ streamlines this process while giving librarians powerful insights to improve operations.

The LibraryIQ platform offers a window into how a library’s collections are being used, so librarians can allocate their budgets wisely and either weed out items that aren’t circulating or more prominently showcase those that are.

For instance, librarians can view circulation data by collection code, type of material, Dewey Decimal number, age group, genre, branch, and other characteristics. They can see at a glance which items haven’t circulated within a certain period, such as the last three years, as well as which items are “dead on arrival” (new material that has not circulated). They can see whether these numbers are trending up or down and where there might be areas for improvement. The LibraryIQ weeding and inventory tool provides detailed information that turns what is often a daunting task for librarians into a more manageable process, saving valuable time.

The LibraryIQ platform also provides insight into who uses the library and, perhaps more important, who doesn’t. An interactive patron map helps librarians visualize patron engagement with the library across the geographic area they serve. “With LibraryIQ, we have a deeper understanding of library users and non-users, enabling us to design services that broaden our reach into the community,” says Pam Collins, director of the Musser Public Library in Iowa.

Additionally, the platform enables librarians to identify key goals and metrics and create a customized action plan for improvement, complete with performance tracking to ensure progress. If librarians would like help with this process, LibraryIQ experts are available to assist.

“Some people just want to swim on their own, and others would like more support,” McAvoy explains. “We can accommodate either approach.”

LibraryIQ is available for an annual subscription based on a library’s size, plus a one-time setup fee. The platform is fully configurable for each subscriber. It integrates with all the leading ILS platforms on the market, including Polaris, Sierra, SirsiDynix, and Koha, as well as data services such as Claritas, Counting Opinions, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

If an integration doesn’t currently exist with a library’s software, LibraryIQ will develop it. “We’ve built the platform on open standards to allow for easy integration with any system,” McAvoy says.

LibraryIQ is relied on by over 200 libraries across the U.S., including the Delaware Division of Libraries and U.S. Army. LibraryIQ also provides collection management, strategic assessment and planning, facility planning, community needs assessment and IT management services.

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