Data-Driven Decisions: A Practical Toolkit for Library and Information Professionals is a simple, jargon-free guide to using data for decision making in library services. The book walks readers step-by-step through each stage of implementing, reviewing and embedding data-driven decisions in their organisation, providing accessible visualisations, top tips, and downloadable tools to support readers on their data journey. Starting with the absolute basics of using data, the author creates a framework for building skills and knowledge slowly until the reader is comfortable with even complex uses of data.

The book begins with an exploration of the foundations of data-driven decisions in libraries including a look at the impact of the current financial climate on resources, theoretical foundations of data collection and analysis, and how this book can be used in practice. The next section takes readers through the data-driven decisions model, providing a guide for understanding and a manual for implementation of the model. Finally, the book provides further perspectives and reading surrounding analysis and implementation of data-driven decisions. This section aims to give supplementary and focused information on different areas of data-driven decisions which can be included in processes once the reader understands the foundation of the book from earlier chapters.

Highly practical and written in an accessible style, this book is an essential resource for librarians and information professionals who increasingly need to justify decisions on programmes and services through quantifiable data.

About the Author

Amy Stubbing has had a varied career across different sectors, and has held roles in areas including collection management, customer services, and library management. She is currently Academic Engagement Lead at University of Westminster where she is responsible for strategic planning and development of the learning support provision for the university, including academic liaison and academic learning development. Previous roles include Campus Library Manager at University of East London, and the Library Customer Care Collections Coordinator at Royal Holloway University.

Amy's interest in data and using it to inform service decisions and developments to improve user experience has been a core part of her career. She has a particular passion for developing data literacy and embedding data practices into all decision making, which led to her developing her Data Driven Decisions toolkit for libraries. She has worked with numerous university libraries to begin working towards embedding a culture of data-driven decisions, and has used her varied experience of teaching data literacy to further develop her toolkit, culminating in this book.

Reviews

"Data Driven Decisions: A Practical Toolkit for Library and Information Professionals fully lives up to the promise of its title and must be considered essential reading for library science students and practicing librarians -- and a core addition to college and university Library Science collections."

* Midwest Book Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9781783304790
Author Amy Stubbing
Format Hardback
Page Count 200
Imprint Facet Publishing
Publisher Facet Publishing