Libstats History Developed by the Engineering Library at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Libstats is an online reference tracking system. Libstats is now shared with the library community as an open source program available from Google Code. K-State University Libraries began using Libstats in January Data within Libstats has proven valuable throughout the library. Libstats Description Libstats captures information about specific reference questions and answers in addition to traditional reference data such as time, type of question, and time spent answering the question. Below is an example of a question regarding a common problem and the answer section provides the solution. Changes inspired by Libstats’ data  By examining the average number of minutes spent answering questions per hour during Fall 2007 we can assess when it is most appropriate to have 2 staff (as opposed to 1) at the Hale Library Help Desk for Fall  A similar examination focused on questions received through our IM reference service helps us recognize when it would be ideal to staff the service off the desk. Three of the 38 transactions from Spring 2007 that showed clear evidence of patrons having trouble paying for printing The results of a Libstats search helped us successfully lobby for a printing account we could use to help patrons pay for print jobs.  Potential changes based on Libstats data Photo by Paul Falardeau Change default scanner settings to make it easier for patrons to send scans by e- mail Acquire a change machine that dispenses more than just dollar coins Offer a public fax machine Instruction Uses Questions in Libstats provide a window into user needs. To better understand user information needs, K-State Libraries’ Instruction Unit analyzed Libstats questions, coded the questions based on information needs, and assessed overall trends and instruction needs. All questions entered during the spring 2007 semester were analyzed to identify the information need represented. A coding system was developed to group like questions. In this experience the Libstats analysis confirmed that current instruction efforts were effectively targeting user needs. It also provided insight into which specific concepts and services needed additional emphasis. A handout is available with detailed information about the coding and analysis. To the right is a table identifying the five most popular types of information needs identified by the analysis. Information NeedTotal Known Item Request782 Topic Research706 Technical Assistance624 Call Number Help283 How to Print Continuing Education Program * Reference Batting Practice- examine reference transactions in a non-threatening manner using a baseball metaphor *Subject specific training sessions directed by Libstats’ transactions focusing on social sciences and the humanities *Libstats Staff Survey – One desk using Libstats (Library Help Desk) 13 survey responses Continuing Education Program * Subject specific training sessions directed by Libstats’ transactions focusing on social sciences, government documents, and science *FAQ training session based on Libstats data *Libstats Staff Survey – Six desks using Libstats (DowMRC, Engineering, Library Help Desk, Math/Physics, Reception, and Science) 30 survey responses Reference Transactions to the Rescue: Using Libstats to Enhance Library Instruction, Direct Staff Continuing Education, and Make Effective Management Decisions Libstats History Developed by the Engineering Library at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Libstats is an online reference tracking system. Libstats is now shared with the library community as an open source program available from Google Code. K-State University Libraries began using Libstats in January Data within Libstats has proven valuable throughout the library. Libstats Description Libstats captures information about specific reference questions and answers in addition to traditional reference data such as time, type of question, and time spent answering the question. Below is an example of a question regarding a common problem. The answer section provides the solution. * No survey respondents chose Very Difficult or Somewhat Difficult *No survey respondents chose Somewhat Negative Danielle Theiss-White General Reference Coordinator K-State Libraries Jason Coleman Reference Generalist K-State Libraries Kristin Whitehair Biomedical Librarian KU Med Center