Usage statistics analysis of specialized academic libraries

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The usage statistics and the perception of users about library websites are commonly usedas an evaluation tool. This case study explores the website usage of the Natural ScienceLibrary (NSL) and Agricultural & Experimental Station and Library (AESL) of theUniversity of Puerto Rico. This study reveals the importance and usefulness of these websitesin the academic environment. The methodology used in the investigation serves as anindicator of use, contact with the users and their perception of services. The data wereobtained from Google Analytics reports, interviews and focus groups about visits towebsite pages. The results show how much current use of resources and services are usedto make improvements in the design and content.IFLA 77 meeting session 111 The challenges and changing roles of the Science and Technology Libraries Section

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USAGE STATISTICS ANALYSIS OF SPECIALIZED LIBRARIES

WEBSITES

Julia VélezCenter for Information and Technology of Natural Sciences,

University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Liz PagánAgricultural Experiment Station, University of Puerto Rico,

San Juan, Puerto Rico

August 15, 2011

IFLA 77 Meeting: 111 — The challenges and changing roles of the Science and

Technology Libraries — Science and Technology Libraries Section

INTRODUCTION

Natural Science Library (NSL) http://bcn.uprrp.edu

AgriculturalExperiment Station Library (AESL) http://biblioteca.eea.uprm.edu

INTRODUCTION

The use of Web portals have a significant impact on the way libraries are organized, offer and facilitate the access to information resources and services.

Web portals are one of the working tools of librarians and a key mechanism for the users.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Learn about the usage

of the library’s webpage

Identify the advantages

and disadvantages of library

webpage

Improve access to resources

and information

services through the

web

Explore the changes that have

occurred in the

librarians role

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the use of the library's website according to its organization, design and content?2. How easy is the use the library website?3. Is it necessary to reorganize and redesign the library website to enhance services available to users and the needs of users?4. What have been the changes in the role of librarians driven by the development and improvement of websites?

GOOGLE ANALYTICS

METHODOLOGY

Qualitative

research

Focus

groups

Documents

Interviews

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONSMonthly visits per users

February March April

RESULTS

AESL – BlueNSL - Red

RESULTS

NSL WEBSITE RECOMMENDATIONS

Add an English version choice

Provide instructions onhow to use databases

Change the website colors

Provide content in attractive way

AESL WEBSITE RECOMMENDATIONS

Add an English version choice

Provide increase digitized resources

Relocate links and an overview of available services

Describe the access policy for the community so that private users can have access to all online resources

CONCLUSIONS

The roles of librarians have changed significantly. The participants in the study validate the issues raised about the role of librarians; they should reinvent their roles and responsibilities to meet the demands of users.

GA reports show usage of both websites, but is not substantially higher compared to the amount of content.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to reorganize, redesign and relocate the contents of the websites to make it more appealing and accessible to the user.

Also, we need to perform ongoing

assessment of website usage and development.

NSL AND AESL WEBSITE

FUTURE WORKSDevelop the websites in a

coordinated way to have patterns in common and unify resources

Perform similar research beyond the limitations raised in this

study

Address the research

limitations

Contact information:

Julia Vélez julia.velez@upr.edu

Liz Pagán liz.pagan@upr.edu

Full Text Article Available

http://conference.ifla.org/sites/default/files/files/papers/ifla7

7/111-velez-en.pdf

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