Collect & Use Statistics

June 8, 2011 - 8:24am — lauralee
Statistics are an important tool for measuring progress and making the case for more funding or expanded services. It is important to think about the statistics you are collecting. Don't waste time collecting data you don't need and be sure that you are gathering data that can help you gauge your success and tell your story.
Library Statistics at your Fingertips
Horizon is Parkland's integrated library system (ILS) and this database manages each library's borrowers and collections. Horizon is an excellent source of statistical data about your library collections such as:
  • how many items the library owns, divided by collection code and item type,
  • circulation counts for collections and item types, non-fiction subject areas, and individual titles,
  • items borrowed from and loaned to other libraries,
  • the age breakdown of items in each library collection.
Horizon statistical data is accessed primarily through Web Reporter (the online reports utility) or through the AdHoc reports within the Horizon software. Instructions for accessing reports from Horizon and Web Reporter are on the Horizon page.
Helpful Links and Resources
  • Alberta Community Profiles provides statistics for your area including population, education, labour, income, and economic facts.
    This data is available online at www.albertacommunityprofiles.com.

  • The Government of Alberta provides access to various statistical data within the province on the Alberta Community Profiles page of their website at
    programs.alberta.ca/Living/Dynamic.aspx?N=770+525+526.
    Links you might find useful include Community Resources in the left side menu for information about the service organizations in your area; Alberta Economy helps you compare your community to the provincial averages; and Municipal and Regional Services Commissions Profiles contains data for individual municipalities, municipal districts, and regional commisions.

  • The Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd. (CAEP) is a regional economic development alliance that provides information about its member communities. This covers much of the Parkland Regional area, except for the northeastern communities. Information can be accessed online at centralalberta.ab.ca/living-here/central-alberta-life/our-communities.

  • Public Library Statistics provides quick facts about Alberta public libraries as well as links to statistical reports and charts. This data is available on the Alberta Libraries website at www.albertalibraries.ca/statistics.

  • Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) uses census data to create specific statistical reports for every municipality. Find demographic, economic, and employment data for your community on the Community Profiles page under the Popular Picks heading on the right side menu.