Chapter 1: Introducing Google Analytics for Libraries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5860/ltr.49n4Abstract
Google Analytics continues to evolve into a more robust web analytics tool, and libraries must stay informed on these developments to get the most out of the tool. Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 49, no. 4) “Maximizing Google Analytics: Six High-Impact Practices” introduces the high impact practices essential to Google Analytics and provides a brief history of the tool to show how it has developed since first launched in 2005. The authors share the benefits and limitations of Google Analytics and conclude with additional resources to help libraries maximize usage.
References
To name just a few: Paul Betty, “Assessing Homegrown Library Collections: Using Google Analytics to Track Use of Screencasts and Flash-Based Learning Objects, ”
Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship
, no. 1 (2009): 75–92, doi:10.1080/19411260902858631; Julie Arendt and Cassie Wagner, “Beyond Description: Converting Web Site Usage Statistics into Concrete Site Improvement Ideas, ”
Journal of Web Librarianship
, no. 1(2010): 37–54, doi:10.1080/19322900903547414; Tabatha A. Farney, “Click Analytics: Visualizing Website Use Data, ”
Information Technology & Libraries
, no. 3 (Sept. 2011): 141–148; Sara Memmott and Susann deVries, “Tracking the Elusive Student: Opportunities for Connection and Assessment, ”
Journal of Library Administration
, no. 7–8 (2010): 798–807, doi:10.1080/01930826.2010.488974nBrett Crosby, () “We’re Open! Instant Access Now Available, ” Google Analytics (blog), Aug. 15, 2006, nPaul Muret, () “The End of an Era for Urchin Software, ” Google Analytics (blog), Jan. 20, 2012, nBrian Kuhn, () “Google Analytics Launches Asynchronous Tracking, ” Google Code (blog), Dec. 1, 2009, nTrevor Claiborne, () “The New Google Analytics Available to Everyone, ” Google Analytics (blog), April 20, 2011, n () “Get the Power of Google Analytics, ” Google Analytics website, accessed March 1, 2013, n () “About Universal Analytics, ” Google Analytics website, accessed March 1, 2013, n () “Custom Variables - Web Tracking (ga.js), ” Google Developers website, last updated Jan. 2, 2013, n () “Mobile App Analytics, ” Google Analytics website, accessed March 1, 2013, nBrian Clifton,
Advanced Web Metrics with Google Analytics
, 3rd ed. (Indianapolis, IN: John Wiley & Sons, 2012), PDF e-book, chap. 3n () “Safeguarding Your Data, ” Google Analytics website, accessed March 1, 2013, n
