Last week I floated the idea of developing a Library SCOREcard that brings together data on different aspects of public library performance and value to meet the information needs of different stakeholders. Here is an example of what I’m proposing.

After many years looking in vain for a killer measure of library performance I have come to the conclusion that the answer lies in presenting an integrated set of measures that together speak to the interests of library users, staff, managers, funders and the community. And it all fits on a single page.

What happens to old library books? Do they extend their life in another form, or do they just fade away? I’ve been wondering …

More than 50% of people who visit the library feel more connected to their community after their visit. Discover the power of a 1-minute library survey.

The closer people live to a library the more likely they are to use it. Data from Council areas in Sydney and Melbourne shows a negative correlation between the average size of a library catchment and the number of library loans and visits per capita.

The emergence of new service delivery models – eBooks, open libraries, lockers, outreach vans, etc. – is transforming the way that people access library collections and services. Which is great news for library customers with busy lives.

If the only thing we take from a library survey is a satisfaction score of 8.7 and a nice quote we are doing a disservice to the thousands of hours library users took to answer those questions. Dig deeper and you will find some interesting characters and powerful stories.

I recently got to spend a few days in Echuca in one of my favourite libraries. It got me thinking, once again, about what makes a great library. And while some of this comes from a grand vision, and some from sheer luck, the core still comes down to delivering for your community.

Dear Library Colleagues and Friends - Can we please stop hoarding books? It’s driving me CRAZY!@#$ And it’s doing your community a great disservice. Come on - we can do better.

Analysis of who uses what library service highlights some stark differences by age and gender. And it’s also a cautionary tale about blind acceptance of statistics.