What's Happening?
COUNTER, an organization supporting libraries and publishers worldwide, is strongly advising libraries to cease using 'standard views' for reporting library usage data. According to a representative from COUNTER, these standard views, such as TR_J1 and TR_B1,
were designed over 15 years ago to mimic older report formats and are inherently limited. They exclude significant subsets of usage data, including newer content types like research data, certain serials (conference proceedings, magazines, newspapers), and crucial metrics like denial metrics and item investigations. This incomplete data can lead librarians to misinterpret usage trends, particularly regarding the shift from subscription-based (Controlled) to open access (Free_To_Read) content. The organization highlights that what might appear as a worrying drop in usage when using standard views is often, in reality, a stable or even increased overall platform usage, with patrons simply accessing more open and free materials. The representative notes that a significant portion of their support inquiries are related to these reporting discrepancies, consuming valuable resources that could otherwise be used for developing tools and educational materials.
Why It's Important?
The continued reliance on outdated 'standard views' by U.S. libraries has significant implications for resource allocation and strategic planning. By presenting an incomplete picture of library usage, these views can lead to misinformed decisions regarding collection development, budget justification, and the overall value proposition of library services. Libraries might mistakenly perceive a decline in the return on investment for their subscription resources, potentially leading to cuts in valuable licensed content, even as overall patron engagement with information resources remains high through open access. This issue is particularly critical as open access content continues to grow and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to further shift user behavior and access methods. Without comprehensive data, libraries risk failing to adapt to evolving user needs and technological advancements, hindering their ability to effectively serve their communities and justify their funding to stakeholders. Accurate usage data is essential for demonstrating the library's relevance and impact in a rapidly changing information landscape.
What's Next?
COUNTER is advocating for libraries to transition to using full Title Reports (TR) and other comprehensive reports, rather than relying on limited standard views. The organization suggests that librarians can use simple spreadsheet tools like pivot tables to filter and sum the granular data provided in full reports to gain the insights they need. This shift in workflow would enable libraries to obtain holistic usage data, allowing for a more accurate assessment of return on investment and better justification of library spending. Furthermore, as new AI metrics emerge, these will only be available in COUNTER's full reports, making the transition away from standard views even more critical for understanding future user behavior. COUNTER will continue to provide educational materials and support to help libraries make this transition, aiming to reduce the volume of inquiries related to incomplete data and free up resources for more proactive development.
Beyond the Headlines
The debate over reporting standards in libraries extends beyond mere data collection; it touches upon the fundamental role of libraries in the digital age and their ability to demonstrate value. The shift from physical to digital resources, and now to open access and AI-driven content discovery, necessitates a parallel evolution in how library usage is measured and understood. The 'meltdown moment' described by COUNTER underscores a broader challenge for institutions in adapting to technological change and ensuring that their internal metrics accurately reflect external realities. This situation highlights the ethical responsibility of data providers to offer transparent and comprehensive reporting tools, and for libraries to critically evaluate the tools they use. Ultimately, the effective use of data is crucial for libraries to remain relevant, secure funding, and continue their mission of providing equitable access to information in an increasingly complex information ecosystem.
