Usage statistics and online behaviour

Abstract

This chapter sets out to explore the variety of statistics that are now available to measure use of electronic resources, and some of the issues connected with them. It will look at how reliable usage statistics can form the basis of a range of analyses at both local and national level and how usage statistics combined with other data can present a picture of how online services are being used. The chapter is based mainly on research within the UK higher education community, but the findings are applicable to any library or group of libraries that wishes to explore more fully their use of online resources.