Library Metrics That Matter
A practical framework for cutting through the noise, making confident decisions, and using your data to advocate for what your library needs — with or without a dedicated library analytics tool.
Sara Roberts, MLIS
LibraryIQ Product Manager
Originally presented as part of Library Journal's webcast series.
Part 1: Cut Through the Noise
Reporting is where most libraries start. Analysis is where the real decisions happen. Here's the data you already have — and what becomes possible when you look at it differently.
| Data | What most libraries do | The opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Circulation | Report totals year over year | Break down by collection type to understand what your community actually wants. |
| New item performance | Not commonly monitored | Compare % of budget spent vs. % of circulation returned — are you buying the right things? |
| Popular items by genre | Report what circulates | Use BISAC and Dewey data to guide purchasing, programming, and displays. |
| Programs and attendance | Count what was provided | Measure time spent vs. return — are your programs worth what they cost in staff time? |
| Interlibrary loans | Track items sent and received | Understand what's in demand that you don't own — and where budget gaps exist. |
Part 2: Make Confident Decisions
Library leaders make dozens of decisions every day — what to buy, what to weed, how to manage staff, what to program. These four questions help bring more clarity to those calls. Bonus if you have the numbers to back up your answers.
1 -
What do libraries do really well and this one of those things?
3 - What data do we have that can help inform this decision?
2 -
Is this what our community actually needs right now?
4 - Is this the best use of our staff time and budget?
Part 3: Advocate With Your Data
When you're talking to boards, funders, or city leaders, data creates a common language. It builds confidence, proves impact, and turns a budget conversation into a story they can get behind. Here are four story starters built from data your library already has.
People Need the Library
[X] people signed up for a library card in the last 12 months. Our main branch brings in [X] new patrons per month.
People Use the Collection
We average [X] active users per month. Our community loves [top collection] - we’re looking for partners to help us grow it.
We Serve Those in Need
In a neighborhood near the library, [X]% of residents live below the poverty line - and many rely on our services for skill-building and job searching.
We Know Our Community
Our most in-demand collection is [X]. Growing it by [X]% would cost $[X] and the checkout data shows exactly why it’s worth it.
LibraryIQ helps libraries do this work faster.
The IQ Platform gives you the insights and tools to confidently manage day-to-day operations and drive greater impact.