Making Reference Service Count: Collecting and Using Reference Service Statistics to Make a Difference

Abstract

This article describes an online system to collect, store, analyze, and report reference statistics. Information is entered at the point of service in a Web-based interface located on the computer desktop of each librarian. When record keeping and reporting processes were customized, automated, and made accessible to librarians, the data collected proved invaluable in tracking trends in reference service, monitoring library initiatives, and providing reference librarians information for analyzing and assessing their professional activity.