A librarian's view of usage metrics: through a glass darkly?

Abstract

This article focuses on the analysis of usage data pertaining to electronic information resources. Usage data is a tool that can help library managers manage their libraries effectively, and it can do this in several ways . Usage data can also help us to assess whether their library services are meeting user needs. Usage data which simply relates to volume or level of activity is invariably one-dimensional and seldom tells the whole story. E-metrics, although extremely time-consuming to collate, are already demonstrating their value. E-metrics can be useful in assessing the cost of supporting particular programmes or modules and in determining whether the usage made represents good value for money.