Penn State University Libraries - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do we collect ARL statistics and how does the UL use them?
A: Lisa German wrote an article about ARL statistics for the September 28, 2009, Interview. You can read this article here.

Q: Where do I get data on the usage of electronic resources?
A: This information is available on the Electronic Resources Usage Statistics web site.

Q: How do I get information on how people are using my library’s web pages?
A: You can obtain this data through Google Analytics; there is no central service from which to request reports. First, you will need to create a Google account. Then, contact Andrew Calvin with your Google account username and request access to your library’s Google Analytics data. Once your account is set up, go to http://www.google.com/analytics to access your data.

Q: How do I find out how busy the public computers are in a library location?
A: If you are at the University Park campus, you can obtain the data via the Classroom and Lab Computing’s Current Lab Use web site. Check the box next to “Library” or click the button “Pick Buildings” to select a specific building. If you are at a campus location, check with the information technology services office at your campus to see if they can provide this information for you.

Q: How do I get e-reserves statistics by campus?
A: This information is available on the Reserves Staff Resources web site (staff only).

Q: How do I get reports from Director’s Station?
A: There is no central service from which to request reports; you must access the data and create the reports yourself. Contact Michelle Dzyak for an account and training. There is also a Director’s Station Users Group; members may be able to answer your questions about Director’s Station. See the Director’s Station wiki (staff only) for more information.

Q: Are there limitations with Director’s Station?
A: Yes, there are limitations that result if the data you are trying to obtain crosses modules within Director’s Station. For example, it is not possible to obtain cost per use data because the tool cannot link Acquisitions measures with Checkout measures.

Q: How do I get data about my campus (e.g. enrollment data)?
A: This information is available via the Penn State Fact Book.

Q: How do I find experts on assessment within the UL?
A: Check out our Resources page. You can also contact the Assessment Council at UL-assessment-council@lists.psu.edu for assistance.

Q: How do I get information about reference questions/statistics?
A: At the University Park campus, reports are available to faculty and supervisors through Desk Tracker (staff only). Implementation of this software is being evaluated for the Commonwealth campuses.

Q: How do I get information about course reserves usage?
A: This information is available in Director’s Station.

Q: How do I get information about allocations and expenditures by campus?
A: At University Park, allocation information is included in the Material Budget Status. For non-University Park locations, the allocations are determined by the Campus Formula. Links for these documents can be found here. Expenditures by campus can be found on the End-of-Year Reporting web site (staff only).

Q: How do I find data about ______?
A: Check the UL Data and Statistics (staff only) page on our web site to see if we have a link to it.

Q: How do I get help with Microsoft Access or other software?
A: Check out Lynda.com through Penn State for training/assistance.

Q: What if I have other questions about assessment?
A: Contact the Assessment Council at  UL-assessment-council@lists.psu.edu for  assistance.