Data collection for user-oriented library services: Wesleyan University Library's experience

This article details the experience of Wesleyan University Library in Middletown, CT, in the collection, management and assessment of library usage statistics to improve current library collections and services and plan for future changes in light of rapid changes in technology. Topics discussed include index and database usage statistics, data from faculty and student surveys and how such data led to service changes, reference hours (including digital reference), electronic bibliographies, liaison programs, and journal circulation data. The conclusion offers several suggestions for other libraries who wish to begin a statistical measurement program.