Why library statistics? The statistician’s view Simon Ellis Head of Science Culture and Communications Statistics

International demand for information literacy statistics lMillennium Development Goals lWorld Summit on the Information Society Access to public information Indicator framework; Partnership for Measurement of ICTs for Development – UNESCO, ITU, UNCTAD, OECD, EU, UN lEducation For All Indicator framework; UNESCO Global EFA Monitoring Report ‘literate environment’

Why do libraries need statistics? lWhat can’t be measured can’t be managed lDecline in library function/usage?? lNegotiating a new role Digital archives Information provision

Libraries services - someone from whom you can find out anything! No service! Training? Gaming? ???

The data pyramid/pagoda national regional global

Libraries as places for statistics lRecognised in every community l‘controlled environment’ lProfessional staff lSampling base; census records, electoral registers, telephone books lDemand; people come to libraries with questions about their community SO a good place to assess demand for information lIT resources for examining results

IFLA/ISO/UIS Library survey 2007 – the response l26/41 countries responded after three reminders from UNESCO & IFLA lOnly basic data on stock/ no. of institutions available lFew responses on events, training, e-info etc

Information literacy indicators 2 - access

Library statistics in transitional & developing countries lLower levels of literacy Greater need for surveys of ‘readers’ locational studies; use reader surveys to place libraries –where they will be used (in walking distance) –Where they can help fight illiteracy and poverty lFewer resources What is the minimum set of statistics needed to run a local library? Lack of IT –Reliance on manual counts/catalogues etc –National data collected by hand & less networking More emphasis on effective use of national network; getting the right books to the right places

Libraries as place – the minimum lThe place – a tree lA certain time of day lEasy walking access lUse of mobile technology lStock of books lInformation services lIdentifiable location lA ‘known’ community

What libraries don’t measure? lLibraries should measure demand Surveys of readers, community surveys Use census data Barriers to use Most convenient opening times Interest in events and exhibitions lAccess issues Public transport lLibraries as data centres always with something new to say about the community

We need discussion here on lWhat are the best statistical indicators for libraries? lAre different indicators required by developing and developed countries? lHow can we encourage libraries to collect more statistics? Choose the indicators that are most relevant….national….regional …international. Which ones are they? Build ownership and capacity for data collection, in a climate of lack of resources. How? lOnly when there is good national data will there be good international data lOnly when there is good international data will libraries role in ‘knowledge societies’, Education for All, Information for All…. be recognised