Singing in harmony : statistical benchmarking for academic libraries

Abstract

Purpose: This paper describes a pilot project for the benchmarking of library statistics for Asian academic libraries. Methodology: The project was facilitated through the development, setup and management of an online statistics service for a group of 22 academic libraries in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. CAVAL, an Australian library consortium, managed the project with sponsorship provided by the iGroup, Asia. The objectives were to develop and provide an online statistics website, to improve the collection processes for the individual libraries and to develop a sustainable service for statistical benchmarking. The paper describes the design and implementation of the pilot project, outlines some of the challenges and concludes with an evaluation. Findings: The pilot project was an opportunity for libraries in the region to participate in the creation and usage of a shared statistical database. At this point in time the utility and value of cumulative statistical collections is not standard practice in Asian libraries. As a consequence participation in the project was an opportunity for library staff to gain some experience with the practicalities, and to raise their awareness of the need for a critical mass of centralized data in order to benchmark. Practical implications: CAVAL will maintain the Asian Online Statistics website into the future. Some of the participating libraries are keen to continue to contribute data and to grow the database, however for this to happen further funding will be required. Discussions are ongoing as to how this can be achieved. Originality/value: This project was the first opportunity for libraries in this region to gain experience with contributing to and benchmarking with a shared statistical collection.