Policy

The Multnomah County Library collects and records statistics in order to measure library usage.

Rationale

Statistics are used to monitor library activity for the purpose of assessing current levels of usage and workload, identifying shifts in usage, allocating resources (making budget and staffing decisions), and reporting to outside agencies.

Application

Within each library location, statistics such as programming, meeting room use and incoming crates are tracked. Each library records these statistics in their Monthly Stats workbook, in Google Drive. Data is then compiled by the data analyst into the MCL Service Statistics report.

Procedures

Please refer to your location's Monthly Stats workbook, and the Monthly Stats — instructions and data dictionary for explanation and specific examples of what to count where.

Monthly stats must be finalized by each library location by the 10th of the month.