Chapter 5: The Impact of the Next-Generation Catalog

Abstract

In the past decade, libraries have shown some major evolutions in the types of services they provide and the platforms in which they deliver these services. From the learning café, to patron-driven acquisitions, to the NGC discovery solution, libraries are evolving to match the demands of changing user behaviors. But a key part of the process that is commonly overlooked is the use of data analysis to drive decisions. By utilizing usage analysis tools, we can build a picture of how certain changes and evolutions affect patrons and how services are used. By constantly analyzing reports on usage, librarians can better judge how to improve services to meet the demands of their patrons.