Deciding with Data

An ACRL e-Learning Online Course
February 13 - March 9, 2012

Description: In this four-week asynchronous course, learn about the lifecycle of library data from setting up its collection to making decisions using this information.  Topics covered include plotting commonly-gathered statistics over time and on the same chart in order to visualize trends; an introduction to e-resources use statistics; in introduction to using Google Analytics in libraries; and an introduction to the analysis of library collections using ILS data.

Week 1: Introduction to the life-cycle of library data (the setup and collection of data; examining, visualizing and thinking critically; making decisions).  Plotting commonly-gathered statistics over time and on the same graph to visualize trends.
Week 2: Introduction to e-resources use statistics.
Week 3: Introduction to using Google Analytics with library systems.
Week 4: Collection analysis using ILS data.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Gain an understanding of the different avenues for collecting data and the process through which data is gathered, examined, visualized, interpreted and acted upon.
  • Gain an understanding of the types, sources and tools for the collection of library data that comprise a picture of their library's activities.
  • Gain an understanding of how information gathered via analysis of data can help library administrators and others make decisions about allocating resources internally or in soliciting resources from those within their host institutions.

Audience: ACRL members and others interested in or responsible for gathering and analyzing library statistics to aid in decision-making.  We will focus on quantitative data manually and automatically collected rather than on qualitative data such as that collected in surveys, focus groups or usability testing.

Presenters: Cristina Tofan, Technology Specialist, Eastern Kentucky University; Cindi Trainor, Associate University Librarian, Eastern Kentucky University

Course Requirements:
Your participation will require approximately three to five hours per week (primarily asynchronous) to:

  • Read the online seminar material
  • Post to online discussion boards
  • Complete online exercises
  • Complete a seminar evaluation form 

Registration fees:

ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
CACUL member: Can$195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60

How to Register:

Register with Credit Card

  • Scroll down to the month when the event is offered. Select the "Register" link next to the course on ALA's Distance Learning page (linked above).
  • You will need to log in with your ALA ID & password. If you do not have an ALA ID & password, you will be asked to create one in order to register.

Register by PO

  • Download and complete the PO registration form.
  • Submit the form along with your actual PO to ALA registration (fax or mail; see form for details).
  • You will not be considered registered for the course until both your PO and the registration form have been received and processed by ALA registration.


Access instructions will be sent out one business day prior to the start of the course.

Member rates apply to personal memberships only. Want to join ACRL or ALA? Complete the online membership form, available on the ALA Web site. If you join ALA/ACRL within five days of registering, we will adjust your fee (please fax a copy of your completed registration form to ACRL at 312-280-2520 ).

Payment may be made by credit card or purchase order (PO) only. If paying by PO, the PO number is required at the time of registration. Class size is limited to 60 participants. Full refunds will be granted up to 14 days prior to the start of the seminar.

Questions should be directed to Margot Conahan at mconahan@ala.org.