This section asks for information regarding your library system's computer and WiFi sessions, as well as meeting room use.
Q: How do we report data when a library's hours and available computers for patron use change because of a renovation? In this case, about half of the year was "normal" operations and then the renovation occurred.
A: Report the actual totals. Each data entry impacted will need to annotate their answer with the reason for the variance.
Other Electronic Information
| Question Number | Question Title | Question Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 650 | Number of Internet Terminals Used by the General Public | Report the number of the library's Internet computers [personal computers (PCs), laptops, and tablets], whether purchased, leased, or donated, used by the general public in the library. Do not include computers that connect to the Internet for a dedicated purpose (e.g., to access an OPAC or specific database, or to train the public) or purposes. |
| 651 | Number of Uses (Sessions) of Public Internet Computers Per Year | Report the total number of uses (sessions) of the library's Internet computers in the library during the last year. If the computer is used for multiple purposes (Internet access, word-processing, OPAC, etc.) and Internet uses (sessions) cannot be isolated, report all usage. Count each use (session) for public internet computers regardless of the amount of time spent on the computer. |
| 651A | Reporting Method for Number of Uses of Public Internet Computers Per Year |
Regarding the Number of Uses (Sessions) of Public Internet Computers per Year (data element 651) entered, is this an annual count or an annual estimate based on a typical week or weeks? Select one of the following: |
| 652 | Wireless Sessions |
Report the number of wireless sessions provided by the library wireless service annually. Count one session for each time a device connects to the library's wireless network, regardless of the duration of connection. If possible, only count sessions for patron devices and exclude library devices such as routers, access points, printers, and public access computers; otherwise, if patron devices cannot be isolated, report sessions for all devices. Note: If an annual count of wireless sessions is unavailable, count wireless sessions during a typical week or weeks using methods like hardware logging or network scanning, and multiply the count to represent an annual estimate. (Do not conduct visual surveys of devices in use as a method to establish a count of a typical week.) A "typical week" is a time that is neither unusually busy nor unusually slow. Avoid holiday times, vacation periods for key staff, or days when unusual events are taking place in the community or in the library. Choose a week in which the library is open its regular hours. |
| 652A | Reporting Method for Wireless Sessions |
Regarding the number of Wireless Sessions (data element 652) entered, is this an annual count or an annual estimate based on a typical week or weeks of hardware logging or network scanning? Select one of the following: |
| 653 | Website Visits | Visits represent the annual number of sessions initiated by all users from inside or outside the library to the library website. The library website consists of all webpages under the library's domain. A website 'visit' or 'session' occurs when a user connects to the library's website for any length of time or purpose, regardless of the number of pages or elements viewed. Usage of library social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) should not be reported here. |
| 653A | App Sessions | Please count the number of app sessions logged during the year |
| 653B | Catalog Sessions | Some libraries have customers who visit the catalog directly, rather than via their website or app. If you have such a setup, please count the number of catalog sessions logged during the year. Please do not count catalog sessions that originated from the library's webpage or app. Only count catalog visits that do not overlap with the other counts. If your library does not count distinct catalog sessions or if all catalog sessions originate from your website and/or app, please enter zero for this field. |
| 653C | Virtual Visits | 653 + 653A + 653B |
| 654 | Meeting Room Use | The number of times your system's meeting rooms were used by outside groups or individuals for meetings or events. These may or may not be open to the public; do not include programs/events sponsored or staffed by the library; do not include use by library staff or Boards. Meeting rooms include any library space that can be reserved for the purposes of meetings or events; the library may or may not charge a fee for the use of the space. Include small study rooms, whether used by individuals or groups. |
