Managing with Data: Using ACRLMetrics and PLAmetrics

Both the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Public Library Association (PLA) provide important data services. For library managers and administrators, the key to the data s usefulness is knowing how to extract and apply the most relevant information to managing a library and improving accountability. A companion volume to the authors earlier book Getting Started with Evaluation, this guide illustrates how to use the data to support value, collection use, benchmarking, and other best practices. This important resource

Identifies key metrics in ACRLMetrics and PLAmetrics

Demonstrates how to perform techniques for developing and using metrics

Offers exercises that illustrate how to produce meaningful metrics and reports, accessible via a free web portal

Shows how to move towards outcomes assessments while simultaneously embracing value

Includes numerous examples to guide readers through the data services web interfaces screen-by-screen

Managers at academic and public libraries, administrators, and library trustees will find this book a vital tool for accountability and advocacy.

Peter Hernon is a professor at Simmons College (Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Boston) and the principal faculty member for the doctoral program, Managerial Leadership in the Information Professions. He was the 2008 recipient of the Association of College and Research Libraries award for Academic/Research Librarian of the Year, is the co-editor of Library & Information Science Research, and has taught, conducted workshops, and delivered addresses in ten countries outside the United States. He is the author or coauthor of 55 books, including the award-winning Federal Information Policies in the 1980s, Assessing Service Quality, and Viewing Library Metrics from Different Perspectives.



Robert E. Dugan is the dean of libraries at the University of West Florida (Pensacola, FL). Prior to assuming this position, he had been at Suffolk University, Boston; Wesley College, Dover, DE; and Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He has also worked in state and public libraries during his nearly 40-year career. He is the coauthor of eleven books, including Viewing Library Metrics from Different Perspectives.



Joseph R. Matthews is a consultant specializing in strategic planning, assessment, evaluation of library services, customer service, use of performance metrics, and the balanced scorecard. He is the author of several books, including The Customer-Focused Library, Strategic Planning and Management for Managers, and Measuring for Results; and the coauthor (with Peter Hernon) of Reflecting on the Future of Academic and Public Libraries, Listening to the Customer, and other books.