Tip 3 (Week 3 Fall 2011): Libstats 101

Hello Alden!   This week we are going to learn about LibStats.  What is it?  Libstats is a data collection program that we use to collect data on the questions that are asked by our patrons.  Some wonder why we need to take down every question.  I know that it can be tedious when you have a line of people waiting to ask questions at the service desk, but keep in mind that LibStats is how we are able to tell how many questions are being asked of us, when they are being asked and from what method they are being asked. 

For example, the Reference department needed to decide how many librarians to staff the desk during the evening hours for the fall quarter.  So the department consulted LibStats to figure out how many questions were being asked at the desk between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm.  Turns out they were able to shift things around a bit so now the librarians only have to stay until 9:00 pm instead of 10:00 pm. 

I would like you to go to a service desk and take a look at the program.   What you will see is something like this at the top of the page.  (Keep in mind that every desk is going to have something just a little different in regard to the categories available.)

You would now just select the proper location of where you answered the question, the question type, how long it took you to answer the question, what format did the question arrive at you, then your initials. 

The question box is to type the question that you answered.  If you are using instant messaging, email, or texting you can just copy and paste the question into the box.  Finally you can click “Save Question/Answer”.  Once you click “Save” you question and answer will be recorded and will look like this: 

There are often questions that really do not need an answer every time they are asked.  “Where are the bathrooms?” or “May I use a stapler?” do not really need to have answers.  However, the question does need to be recorded in LibStats.  I only put anything in the answer box when I get a question that I do not know the answer to or the questions that I feel the rest of the desk staff might have some benefit from having the answer. 

This is LibStats in a nutshell.  So, please go to a service desk where they have LibStats up and use the program a bit.   

Post Author: Paul Campbell