Using a technique called Use Factor analysis, librarians can determine, down to specific call numbers, what subjects in the collection are actually being checked out by students, and where checkout patterns indicate heavy use. By targeting these areas of high use for additional purchases, the available money can be spent on material that supports student interests and research. At the same time we avoid buying in areas which see little or no circulation. This presentation will explain what the Use Factor is, how to calculate it, and how to interpret the data provided by the analysis & make useful recommendations.

What are they actually reading? And what can we do with this knowledge?