Dr Alan Bundy is University Librarian at the University of South Australia.

Title: Best value: libraries

Abstract: Library statistics have two main purposes, for internal management and interlibrary benchmarking, and for advocacy for better funded libraries. Australian library statistics are deficient, especially for school and special libraries. However the statistics now available for public and academic libraries have been underutilised for advocacy purposes. There has been a failure to use simplified data to convey that libraries are a best value societal and business investment. There has also been little collection and promotion of qualitative data derived from the value to individuals of the libraries they use. At the same time quantitative standards have not been maintained. Within the definition of 'library statistics' other statistical information on why and how information is accessible and used in society now needs to be considered.

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