Data Analysis

Data Analysis

The EBSM Tools discussed elsewhere in this guide carry out all of the Data Analysis and Comparison activities. All analysis is based upon comparisons between the latest set of data extracted from the ILS/LMS, and previous sets that have been stored. The analysis uses these changes, and combines them with the targets have been set by the library staff to determine how best to manage the collection during the forthcoming months.

Typically this analysis will be too complex for standard database queries to be written – bespoke data analysis algorithms will be required to create these tools. The methodology therefore recommends that a librarians engage with the IT staff, or an external provider of software and services like collectionHQ, to enable the complex analysis and comparisons to be carried out.

It is outwith the scope of this guide to present any detail on the algorithms used for each EBSM Tool.