One of the highlights of my day on Saturday was the panel on the Invisible Labor of Library Work: Data, Metrics, and Storytelling for Advocacy. Let’s face it, most of the children’s and teens’ services librarians I know are great at hosting programs, but need help gathering data. This program promised to demonstrated how “data and storytelling can be used to strengthen advocacy, funding, and public understanding of the library’s role in the community,” but it offered so much more. The panelists all highlighted that any data gathering shouldn’t be done for the sole purpose of gathering numbers, but to help us advocate for our users and for each other. All panelists provided examples of how clear policies can help library workers carve out time for this important data collection. They also spoke about the need to build in support for staff so that all library workers can find success….
Tag: data collection
Utilizing Technology for Mock Caldecott
I am the Youth and Teen Collections Librarian at my library system. The majority of my job duties involve purchasing materials. One of my additional responsibilities is to assist with our Annual Mock Caldecott event held in January. Throughout the years, I have been utilizing technology to improve this process for myself and staff, while providing more access for all those interested. My Mock Caldecott process includes: 1. Track the starred reviewed titles throughout the year.2. Include titles that will be eligible for the Caldecott Medal. 3. Create a list for staff. The publications I use for starred reviews are Booklist, BookPage, Bulletin of the Center for Children, Horn Book, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness. A sample of my 2025 Mock Caldecott Tracker: My library system uses G-Suite, allowing us to share and edit documents in real time. Our Mock Caldecott event only pertains to books…
Program Data Collection: A Quick Guide
Last month, I wrote about documenting successful programs. While those details are important, they aren’t the only factor in a program’s ongoing success. Today, I’m exploring program data collection. Gut feelings are important, but we also need objective evaluation methods. Whether you’re looking to convince your administration, a Friends group, or a funding source, data is important. Let’s explore the tools I use with Family Place.