Page 252 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Unit 14: Library Statistics

The definition of the term statistics includes the following, and in its absence of these characteristic Notes
any numerical data cannot be called statistics:
1. Statistics are aggregate of facts.

2. Statistics are affected to a marked extent by multiplicity of causes.
3. Statistics are numerically expressed.
4. Statistics are enumerated or estimated according to reasonable standards of accuracy.
5. Statistics are collected in a systematic manner.

6. Statistics are collected for a predetermined purpose.
7. Statistics should be placed in relation to each other.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
3. Statistics in general are nothing but a …………….. of everyday thinking.

4. Statistics are affected to a marked extent by multiplicity of ……………….
14.3 Sources of Library Statistics

Statistics, or numerical data that has been collected, organized and interpreted in some way,
exist on a wide variety of subjects, including health, weather, crime, population characteristics,
labour and employment, to name only a few. This pathfinder will help you find statistical
information that is available in print publications and on the Web, with a focus on locating
statistical information produced by the United States Government.
The United States government is the largest producer and publisher of statistical information.
Federal Government agencies produce statistics in the course of research, program management,
making forecasts and projections, and as a daily part of their administrative functions.
Government produced statistics are used by government agencies and the public at large.

A word of caution about using statistics: In order to understand the meaning of the statistics you
have found, and use them appropriately, you should check several things: from where the
numbers came (the “source”); how the numbers were collected (sometimes given in a footnote);
what date range the statistics cover (usually different than the date the statistics were published);
and who collected the data (how reliable is the agency or group who collected and analysed the
numbers in order to come up with the statistics).
Information resources are of two kinds, namely, Documentary and Non-documentary sources
of information.

14.3.1 Sources of Documentary Information

A document constitutes embodied thought which is a record of work on paper or other material
fit for physical handling, transport across space and preservation through time. It may include
manuscripts, handwritten and engraved materials including printed books, periodical, microform,
photograph, gramophone records, tape records, etc. The recent advances in science and technology
help originate another kind of document i.e. computer readable forms that includes C.D., DVD,
pen drive, hard disk, web resources etc. All documents are the records of human observation

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