Statistical Surveys in Libraries in the Czech Republic and Their Interpretation Regarding the Quality of Services
Abstrakt
Statistical reports represent a significant source of information in Czech public libraries. The authors describe the method of processing the statistical data gathered in Czech libraries; international activities in the field of library statistics are also mentioned.
Attention is primarily given to statistical surveys, the processing of statistical data, and the subsequent utilisation of such data in medical libraries that, pursuant to the Library Act, are part of the Czech Republic's public information services. Charles University in Prague offers the possibility of studying librarianship on bachelor, master and doctoral level on its Institute of Information Studies and Librarianship, part of the Faculty of Arts.
The courses focused on quantitative and qualitative research methods have been gradually introduced in the curricula of all study programs in the past years. The authors further consider the problems involved in the collection and interpretation of data in libraries, its utilisation, and the need for libraries to develop their own statistical research methods.
In conclusion, a current example of best practice in utilising statistics by the National Medical Library (NML) is described. Data monitored on an ongoing basis was used to compare the volume of services provided during the coronavirus pandemic.
A broader approach to statistics and the subsequent utilisation of the data gathered provide a basis for comparing and measuring library quality and performance.