[Eril-l] [EXTERNAL] Database cost-per-use

[Harker, Karen]

We apply the usage measure available that most closely represents the goal of the end-user's experiences.  Most resources can be grouped into providing similar end-goals:

*         A&I databases: Record Views, or Result Clicks

*         Full-text db's: Full-text downloads (to assess the full-text utility), or Result Clicks (to assess overall utility)

*         Streaming media: Plays

*         Reference database: Record Views

*         F/T content (ebooks or ejournals): F/T downloads

By grouping the resources in this way, you can generally compare the CPU's using the same measures, comparing like resources.  Of course, you will have to decided how to evaluate resources that are not COUNTER-compliant.  If their usage measure is close enough to one of the COUNTER measures, we will use that, but with appropriate caveats on the validity of the usage measure.  Otherwise, we note that no valid usage data is available (it gets a big, fat zero for usage).

FYI - Result Clicks is useful if the interface includes a number of "added features" that enhance the information or access to information.  For A&I databases, it could be more useful than Record Views because it includes the users' attempts to access the full-text or collection of citations/abstracts for future use, representing deeper utility than just looking at the abstract.

Karen R. Harker, MLS, MPH
Collection Assessment Librarian
UNT Libraries, Denton, Texas
940-565-2688
http://librariesareforuse.wordpress.com

From: Eril-l [mailto:eril-l-bounces at lists.eril-l.org] On Behalf Of Mock, Emily
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2017 8:50 AM
To: eril-l at lists.eril-l.org
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Eril-l] Database cost-per-use

Hello,

I'm working on a project involving cost-per-use statistics of our databases, and I'm wondering which metric(s) others use to make this kind of calculation. It's obvious there isn't going to be one metric that works for every database, since it's dependent on what kind of usage data they provide, but even among the ones that provide COUNTER reports, which metric do you find most useful? Result Clicks? Record Views? Does it depend on the type of database?

I'd appreciate any input or advice you can give!

Thanks,
Emily Mock

Coordinator for Gift Books & Collections Assessment
University at Albany
University Libraries, LI-B34D
1400 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12222
518-442-3627
emock at albany.edu<mailto:emock at albany.edu>

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