Study and analysis of usage statistics - NESLi2 initiative
JISC awarded evidence base the contract to carry out a study and analysis of usage statistics of journals available through the NESLi2 initiative, working in partnership with Cranfield University and COUNTER. Evidence base worked on this study with Hazel Woodward and Simon Bevan of Cranfield University, Peter Shepherd, Director of Project COUNTER and also with Charles McClure of the School of Information Studies at Florida State University.
The aim of this study is to provide accurate and up-to-date data on national
use of journals available through the NESLi2 initiative.
The approach taken was to conduct an in-depth analysis of usage data from
four NESLi2 publishers, using a representative sample of 17 very large, large,
medium and small libraries in JISC-supported institutions in order to gain
a national overview. The data provided a snapshot over a six- month period
(January-June 2004) and used comparative data from 2003 where appropriate.
Usage analysis was based on the number of full-text article requests (COUNTER
JR1 report). Data was analysed in relation to usage range, price band and
subject category, using measures devised by the study team. Usage patterns
for subscribed and unsubscribed titles were studied, and a series of cost
measures also applied to the data.