Open AccessStatistical factors: What and how academic libraries count
Author(s) -
Н. М. Свергунова
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
naučnye i tehničeskie biblioteki
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2686-8601
pISSN - 1027-3689
DOI - 10.33186/1027-3689-2021-8-101-118
Subject(s) - comparability , statistical analysis , statistics , completeness (order theory) , computer science , reliability (semiconductor) , academic library , similarity (geometry) , library science , section (typography) , data science , mathematics , mathematical analysis , power (physics) , physics , combinatorics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics) , operating system
Library statistics is an important and effective method of analyzing library activities and identifying problems, planning and forecasting. Reliability, accuracy, completeness and comparability of the data are the most significant provisions. In her earlier publication, the author identified several inaccuracies in annual statistical reports submitted by university libraries. To identify discrepancies in 2019 statistics, the comparative analysis was accomplished for Orel State academic libraries. The study demonstrated that sometimes the libraries didn’t provide accurate and precise statistics with lacking logical connection between the indicators presented in different report sections. Individual factors differ significantly despite similarity of other factors that influence the former ones. The author concludes on the necessity of measures to be taken by RLA university library section, library methodological divisions, and by the academic libraries themselves. For this purpose, the author suggests to develop methodological recommendations on calculating statistics, statistical surveying of academic libraries and implementing the methods into practice.