Benchmark
For
Understanding Real Needs
Use evidence of needs to compare with outside standards or trends.
Data Story Format
"We are seeking and gathering data from ___[our community]__via [survey/dataset]__ so that we understand how our work relates to __[other work, best practices, or standards]__."
Possible Use
Library Card Registration: We are seeking and gathering data through a survey of public library systems nationwide so that we understand how our library card registration process relates to other libraries' practices to create guiding principles and best practices.
Real Story Examples
Cardholder Signup Practice: Collecting and Analyzing How Patrons Get Library Cards: Nationwide, censorship and book banning's have continued to proliferate, with access to digital collections via library cards becoming a popular way of providing total access to materials regardless of location. However, a study from the Brooklyn Public Library revealed that restrictive library cardholder policies can hurt equitable access, and suggests several key areas that libraries can examine in their own policies to better align with the library profession’s stated values.
Ending Late Fees: A Case for Equity: New York City is proud to announce the permanent cancellation of late library fees within their public libraries. The removal of this economic barrier will help public libraries to be more equitable places and make it more accessible for anyone who wants to borrow media.
Working Paper Seeks to Quantify Library ROI: Public libraries provide a wealth of benefits to their communities, and must continuously prove their relevance to stakeholders through success stories and statistics. By looking at IMLS data on library capital investment and circulation, a direct correlation between investing in library infrastructure and the quality and usage of libraries can be found, further justifying the importance of libraries in society.
Delaware Communities of Excellence: More than 20% of Delaware’s adult population have low literacy skills, and 49% of third graders are not proficient readers. The Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) expanded work on early childhood literacy, health literacy, and adult literacy while also building trust between organizations with adult literacy services. The DDL showed the developing literacy ecosystem in the state and provided a basis for strategic planning.
Data Visualization Recommendations
General Guidance
Benchmark: Consider using a bar chart to indicate similarities and differences. Horizontal comparison might show differences between libraries. Vertical comparison might show community data over time or in relation to the library strategic plan, or this could be represented by a separate line chart. In general, line charts are the best choice for indicating change over time.
