2015 Charleston Library Conference

Since the first Code of Practice was published in 2003, the COUNTER (Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources) standard has facilitated the recording and reporting of online usage statistics in a consistent and comparable way. The standard, now in its fourth iteration, has developed over time in response to the changing e-resource environment and to evolving user requirements. Engagement with relevant initiatives and input from vendors is critical to COUNTER’s ongoing evolution. Amongst these, COUNTER has worked with NISO on SUSHI to develop a protocol to facilitate the automated harvesting and consolidation of usage statistics from different vendors. Both COUNTER and SUSHI form the basis of tools to facilitate the gathering and analysis of usage data and they help support provision of efficient and cost-effective services. One such tool is the Jisc funded JUSP (Journal Usage Statistics Portal), which provides a single point of access to data, enabling libraries to quickly and easily compare usage across a range of publishers and years. Accurate and comparable usage statistics support analysis and evaluation of e-resources and help to demonstrate their value and impact. JUSP is an important tool that aims to support libraries in this context. This session will outline how COUNTER supports development of tools and services with global reach and impact. It will highlight challenges and opportunities that exist with regard to metrics in terms of developing, gathering and analyzing data and service and will offer some shareable models of good practice.