New in 2008 Survey

We added a few new questions under the section of the Electronic Resources & Subscription in the 2008 Technology Assessment.  The followings are the results collected:

• 67 library systems, 36% of LORI libraries, provide reference e-service by email or chat.
• In addition to the state-wide and consortium-wide subscription, 127 library systems, 69% of LORI libraries, subscribes to electronic databases which are made available only to its registered patron.
• Collectively, LORI libraries hold 348,688 electronic books or web titles.  Brown University (243,225), Roger Williams University (42,009), and Salve Regina University (30,000) lead the rest of the state as the top three e-title holders.
• Collectively, LORI libraries subscribe to 196,572 e-journals.  The top three e-journal holding libraries in the state are: Brown University (51,890), Providence College (37,093), and Bryant University (34,025). 
• The majority of library systems handle document delivery in more than one mode.  Courier service which is delivery through ground transportation such as LORI delivery, US mail, or other courier services is used by 110 libraries, followed by email by 80 libraries.  Brown is the only library that also uses the open source ILL utility - Odyssey.  45 libraries do not provide any form of document delivery service to their patron.

LORI libraries FY2007 Interlibrary Loan statistics

As with the results from the previous years, public libraries are most engaged in in-state ILL.  The top three in-state borrowers and lenders are Providence, Cranston, and Warwick public libraries.  Libraries most engaged in out-of-state ILL activities are ones that have access, and/or make holdings available, to national library network such as OCLC and Docline. 

• The top ten in-state borrowers and lenders are all public libraries.

• The top three in-state borrowers are:
• Providence Public Library (109,898)
• Borrowed 826 items from out-of-state libraries
• Cranston Public Library (96,918)
• Borrowed 13 items from out-of-state libraries
• Warwick Public Library (43,721)
• Borrowed 32 items from out-of-state libraries
•  The top three in-state lenders are:
• Providence Public Library (109,752)
• Lent 1,349 items to out-of-state libraries
• Cranston Public Library (98,364)
• Lent 0 items to out-of-state libraries
• Warwick Public Library (88,442)
• Lent 0 items to out-of-state libraries

• The top ten out-of-state borrowers and lenders are consisted of a mixed of academic, health science libraries and one public library. 
   
• The top-three out-of-state borrowers
• Brown University Library (28,248)
• Borrowed 9,293 items from in-state libraries
• URI Library (5,863)
• Borrowed 386 items from in-state libraries
• Providence College Library (1,889)
• Borrowed 300 items from in-state libraries
• The top-three out-of-state lenders are
• Brown University Library (28,786)
• Lent 5,659 items to in-state libraries
• URI Library (3,849)
• Lent 572 items to in-state libraries
• US Naval War College Library (1,876)
• Lent 103 items to in-state libraries

 

Technology Assessment

1. Public access computers
• 1,150 computers are provided among the 21 academic library facilities.
• 1,244 computers are provided among the 71 public library facilities
• 1,343 computers are provided among the 97 school library facilities
• 72 computers are provided among the 23 special library facilities.
  
• In 2008, 59% (compare to 52% in 2007, 39% in 2006) of LORI libraries provide wireless access for patron with laptop. 
• 73% of LORI libraries filter their public access computer.
  
  
2. Software/Operating System
• Number of library uses Open Office for library computers up from 3 in 2007 to 6.
• Number of library uses Linux for library computers up from 3 in 2007 to 5.
• The majority of LORI libraries have not embraced Microsoft Vista in 2008.  Only 13 libraries reported having Vista for public access computers.  13 libraries reported having Vista for staff computers. 

Staff Development

Employment

Of the 182 library systems, which cover 210 library facilities, LORI member libraries employ 2,040 part/full time staff in 2008. The top 12 libraries that employ the most staff are listed below:

Providence Public Library: 161
Brown University Library: 160
Cranston Public Library: 120
URI - University Libraries: 73
Providence College: 66
RI College - Adams Library: 58
Warwick Public Library: 57
Johnson & Wales University Library: 46
Barrington Public Library: 45
Newport Public Library: 42
Westerly Public Library: 42
Pawtucket Public Library: 40

Professional Skill Assessment

24 LORI libraries reported utilizing tools or observation for staff technology skill assessment.  These skill assessment tools include TechSurveyor and surveys.  Bryant University adheres to a performance management program through the University while Providence College use a in-house survey of tiered-technology competencies.  

More statistics and data collected by OLIS from the 2008 LORI Certification.