F17: Paint by numbers: using data to inform policy development
Session Description
This case study by iSchool student Greg MacLeod involved collecting information on fine policies for all the BC library systems, and combining this data with the publicly available data on circulation to investigate the effect of reducing or eliminating fines on children's materials on circulation of those materials. The statistical analysis, controlled for the effects that system size has on circulation rates, active cardholders, and other factors, demonstrated that, even after taking all of these factors into account, libraries that charged reduced fines or eliminated fines on children's material experienced higher circulation of children's materials. He also found that the greater the difference between adult and children's fines, the stronger the effect. The takeaway message is, in a province where 77% of library systems charge fines for children's materials, we have an opportunity to make a small change that will lead to more children borrowing more books.
In addition to Greg presenting his research, we will be seeking a local library representative to join the presentation to discuss the practical application of the research.
Speakers
Christine Middlemass, BCLA Vice President (Incoming President);
Biography
Christine Middlemass, Manager (retired), Vancouver Public Library, Adjunct Instructor, the iSchool at UBC, and incoming President, BCLA. Chris joined Vancouver Public Library in 1978. She managed a wide range of Vancouver Public Library services, collections and units until her retirement on Halloween in 2017. Chris has also been involved with the iSchool at UBC for many years, as an alumni member supporting students and the School, and as an adjunct instructor in the areas of management and human resources. An avid reader of science fiction, she has been known to attend World Science Fiction Conventions.
Greg McLeod, Vancouver Public Library
Biography
Greg McLeod is a public library worker and musician. He has toured Canada and the US as a violinist and trombonist, and has worked for the Vancouver Public Library for the past 3 years. He is graduating from the MLIS program in spring, 2019, where he has discovered a passion for combining data analysis and library policy.