Between already tight library budgets and mounting pressures, it is more important than ever to spend wisely and make investments that ensure a strong return in meeting community needs within and beyond library walls. While we all know our communities well and are aware of what patrons say they want, the data often tells a different story. With community needs constantly changing and evolving, a data-driven model ensures you’re educated, empowered and always in control.

Stop relying on gut instincts and start using your library’s data to make strategic decisions about budget allocation, collection development, programming, outreach and so much more. Even small changes across the many facets of library operation can lead to big improvements in community service and engagement. Pick one of the areas below, focusing on the one with the most widely known or suspected challenges, and start digging into the data to determine where and how improvements can be made.

COLLECTIONS

To maximize circulation and budget, analyze collection use and performance along with circulation stats and trends to strategically develop and manage collections.

Start by: Analyzing collection performance by patron type, material type (physical and electronic), collection code and Dewey or BISAC. Compare collections across branches and to other libraries and retail bookstores to determine popular titles. Identify which collection codes to expand or contract. Analyze circulation by location over time to uncover trends as well as hold data. Identify titles purchased but never circulated.

OUTREACH

To identify areas of engagement and need within the service area, analyze who is using the library and who isn’t.

Start by: Mapping patrons and their level of engagement on a digital map to understand where gaps exist within the service area. Identify barriers (ex: transportation, language, etc.) to library engagement and determine the types of outreach that could drive engagement based on demographic profiles for patrons in those areas.

MARKETING

Analyze service area demographics to target user and non-user audiences and ensure marketing and communications are relevant.

Start by: Identifying demographic groups and analyzing profiles for lifestyle, preferences, interests and behavioral habits. Determine library specific strategies for engaging target demographics via Collections, Programming, Services and Technology.