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Presentation
Statistics for All: Implementing LibAnswers @ WWU
American Library Association Annual Conference (2011)
  • Elizabeth Stephan
  • Rebecca M. Marrall, Western Washington University
  • J. Gabe Gossett, Western Washington University
Abstract
During the summer of 2010, Western Washington University Libraries began using LibAnswers, a program that allows the tracking of desk statistics using its analytics tool while building a public knowledge-base with entered user questions, on a trial basis. LibAnswers also manages questions coming in via text message and an email submission form. After using LibAnswers for one term, the Western Libraries Reference Desk permanently switched to LibAnswers from Libstats. It was also decided that LibAnswers could be adapted to track user statistics at eight other service points, so that Reference, Circulation Desks, Media Desks, Map and Music Libraries, Special Collections, Archives and the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, and the Writing and Writing Instruction Support Centers were all covered. Working with each service desk, a common set of terms for statistics collection was developed to meet everyone’s needs. Extensive training was done to ensure that all library staff understood the terms, how to apply them, and the need for reliable statistics. This poster session will outline the challenges and benefits of transitioning to LibAnswers at multiple service points.
Publication Date
Summer June 25, 2011
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Citation Information
"Statistics for All: Implementing LibAnswers @ WWU” (with Gabe Gossett and Rebecca Marral); American Library Association, June 2011.