Usage, engagement and impact: evaluating the usage of and measuring impact and engagement with library resources at Leeds Beckett University Library

Abstract

In 2017–18 Leeds Beckett University Library undertook a project to assess the feasibility of using OpenAthens and student record data to enable in-depth analysis of learning resources usage and costs, student engagement and library impact. This article describes the different approaches taken to evaluate usage of the Library’s e-resources to identify levels of engagement at school and course level. These include evaluating the impact of induction attendance on e-resource usage, reviewing school e-resource usage and return on investment, analysing usage trends at school and year level and examining the correlation between National Student Survey (NSS) results and e-resource usage for specific courses. The project confirmed the feasibility of using OpenAthens and student record data for in-depth analysis of learning resources usage, student engagement and library impact. Successful analysis was performed for schools, courses and levels of study and provided significant insight that informed resource provision and NSS action. Library managers, academic librarians and academics have consequently engaged with and benefited from the project and its outputs. This article builds on a breakout session presented at the 42nd UKSG Annual Conference in April 2019.