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Intro RefAnalytics

Reference Analytics

These statistics are used to track the number and kinds of interactions we have with our patrons.

  • NOTE: When adding transactions, make sure the default dataset is for your department. If not, select the correct department from the drop-down menu. Later, contact the coordinator to change the default setting.
  • The Reference and Instructional Services (RIS) department tracks the following metadata: location (Where Were You?), method of contact (Question Source?), and subject (Question Type?). You can ignore the section on Questions and Answers.
  • For information regarding the metadata field Question Type?, consult RefAnalytics Public Service Statistics - Definitions. Check for latest version under Statistics - Reference and Instructional Services on the Staffweb (login required).
 
Keeping track of transactions for RIS:
  • While staffing the Reference Desk, add transactions from the Add Transactions page 
  • While monitoring "Ask the Library" emails, add transactions from the ticket form
  • For LibChat chat sessions (at Reference Desk or office), add transactions using the bar graph icon.
Adding a reference analytics transaction - See Springshare directions for details. 
  • Covers three methods for adding a transaction: from the Add Transaction page with the Ref. Analytics module, while submitting a status change for a ticket, or from a chat with a patron in LibChat

Metadata Fields and Values Used by Reference (Without MINES)


Metadata Fields and Values Used by Reference (Without MINES)
Beginning June 2017, Question Type? (Field 3) and its values are changed.

The value "Research & DELCAT" has been renamed "DELCAT Simple". The new value "Research" has been added.

For a statistical analysis involving previous years, these two categories will need to be added together.

Prior to June 2017