Indexes as Tools for Measuring Usage of Print and Electronic Resources

Abstract

Libraries are experiencing rapid change as they add electronic resources. These resources are popular with patrons, but their usage is not captured in traditional library statistics. Libraries must find a way to represent the diverse data available for electronic resources in some meaningful way that allows for comparison with statistics for print resources. To do this, the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library has created two indexes, the Electronic and Print Usage Indexes. An index is a simple tool that combines data on items from a group into one number and so represents overall change in the group. The indexes at Cushing/Whitney show that in 1998–1999, patron usage of electronic resources more than doubled, whereas print use declined.