Measuring the Past to Guide the Future: Takeaways from a Retrospective Disciplinary Analysis on Print Books and Ebooks

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between librarians' purchases and the actual preferences of library patrons based on usage. Using ten years of purchase history, we reviewed how print and ebook preferences have changed over time and what role, if any, discipline plays in format preferences. This information will be used to help subject librarians across various disciplines to make informed print and ebook purchases, relying on actual patron preferences rather than guesswork.

Data Visualization for Collection Analysis

“…Murphy (2013) and Datig and Whiting (2018) have found success using Tableau to track data on library programs, spaces, and services in order to inform future decision making. Finch and Flenner (2016) and Walton and Bunderson (2020) used collection analysis and visualization to identify and track budget and collection development trends over time, while Haren (2014), Eaton (2017), and Wissel and DeLuca (2018) all used visualization methods to explore sets and subsets of data within the library's catalog. Even though many of today's ILSs have more sophisticated analytic capabilities than their predecessors, they often cannot provide the context necessary to make the data truly valuable.…”

“…It is by no means an assessment of the collection's appropriateness concerning the informational needs of students and faculty nor is it a model to determine a collection's diversity or well-palrap.org roundedness. A good analysis is necessary for assessment as it gives insights into past collection development practices and may help inform future purchasing decisions (Walton & Bunderson, 2020).…”