FAQ - Reference Statistics Sampling


Charge Agendas and Minutes Members Reports Policies Resources	Frequently Asked Questions - Reference Statistics Sampling Will this new sampling method be used to generate the figures that CUL reports to ARL (Association of Research Libraries)? Yes. For FY2006-2007, we will use the number of reference transactions taken from the 12 sampling weeks, and extrapolate them to represent a full-year's worth of reference transactions. The extrapolated total will be the number of reference transactions we report to ARL. Is this new sampling method replacing the way we currently report our unit's reference statistics? Yes. All units are required ONLY to report reference statistics for the 12 sampling weeks. Only the transactions recorded for the 12 sampling weeks will be used by administration for reporting totals to ARL and for compiling statistical tables in the CUL Annual Report. HOWEVER, units may continue to record transactions year-round for their own individual analysis and interpretation. Can unit libraries use the online reporting system year-round for our own statistics gathering? Yes. The online reference statistics reporting system (RSRS) can be used year-round for keeping a record of all transactions at individual units. Units can then run reports and export data for their own individual analysis and interpretation for any given month(s), day(s), hour(s). Administration will only run reports/export data from the 12 sampling weeks for their reporting needs. Do we need to record statistics on both the print form AND the online system ? You can report your statistics directly online and are not required to use the print form. You may, however, continue to use the print forms and then enter the reference statistics online at a later, more convenient time if you prefer. Eventually all statistics will need to be reported on the online system for administrative purposes. It is very fast to enter the statistics only. Entering later requires you to look back and forth from paper to computer, and enter additional information - the date, the time, AM or PM - there is more chance for error this way. Can we modify the print form to include additional statistics? Yes. In the landscape version of the print form, there are columns for you to add other categories for information you may want to record for your unit's purposes. These may include Directional Questions, Referrals, Notes, or any other statistics you find useful to your unit. This information does not need to be reported to administration. How do I export statistics for my library? As a result of some code fixes, is now possible to view your library's statistics using the Generate Reports feature EXCEPT for Weekday vs. Time and Week of Year tables. If you wish to view those tables, then continue to use the Raw Export function, leaving all libraries selected. To view your statistics using the raw export function select all libraries, save the file, open the file in Excel, highlight the headers, click on one data cell under location, and click on the A-Z icon to sort by your library's column. Detailed instructions for raw exporting is also available. What backup is in place? The system is set to automatically backup everything in the database at 5:00am daily (in servers maintained by Library Systems). In addition to these automatic backups, we recommend that each unit create their own backup by exporting all transactions (in their unit) and saving them in an Excel file. The frequency of backups by unit is up to the individual unit. Can I search previous questions? You can search previous questions using the Edit/Search tab. This allows you to search content entered in the "question content" field, and you can restrict to various criteria (date, library location, type of question, etc.). At this time you cannot search the "notes" field. This is being added to the wish list for the programming staff. Is there a time-out after a period of inactivity? The system times out after 2 hours. What if the system will not allow me to choose a needed sublocation or staff type? Units who need to change sublocation and staff types need to contact/send feedback to librefstats-l so the System Administrator can enable the requests. If I have comments or questions about reference statistics sampling, whom should I contact? Start by asking reference staff in your unit. If they do not have an answer or if you are a reference staff person, please direct your comments or questions to any librefstats-l@cornell.edu Page last updated: August 24, 2006 Print Version