Journal of Web Librarianship special issue: data driven decision-making

The Journal of Web Librarianship is pleased to announce an upcoming special
issue on the topic of data-driven decision making for the library web, edited
by Meris A Mandernach.

Data-driven decision-making in the realm of library web sites is an emerging
and ever-evolving goal for libraries of all types and sizes. As data becomes
more available and easily accessible, the use of that data for decision making
to support the user experience in online systems, discovery tools and websites
is of the utmost importance.  Though both qualitative and quantitative data
should be used for informing decisions in libraries, this issue’s scope will
focus on quantitative data sources such as:

�           Web analytics, including Google Analytics

�           Log reports (search logs, system logs)

�           Heat maps

�           Vendor usage reports

�           Third-party statistics and logs

�           Public data from Twitter and other social sites

Additionally, this issue will focus on how data from the above sources is used
to support decisions about all aspects of the library’s virtual presence,
including

�           Discovery tools

�           Library websites

�           Library systems

�           Mobile sites and interfaces

 

Submissions should clearly state one or more research questions or, for more
practical articles, a decision that was or will be supported by the data, and
explain the type of data sources used.

Query letters and preliminary proposals are welcome any time if potential
authors would like to discuss their ideas with the issue editor. Please submit
queries and manuscripts to guest
editor Meris Mandernach at jwl.data@gmail.com. Please refer to the JWL web
site, http://www.lib.jmu.edu/org/jwl for Instructions for Authors.

Meris Mandernach is Head of Research Services at The Ohio State University
Libraries.  She has published numerous articles and book chapters on topics
related to reference, usability testing, discovery systems, and chemistry
information literacy.

Issue Timeline:
Initial Manuscript Submission deadline: January 31, 2013
Notices to authors: April, 2013
Final Acceptance: June, 2013
Issue Publication: October, 2013

The Journal of Web Librarianship
Meris Mandernach, Special Issue Editor
Jody Condit Fagan, Editor
Email:           jwl.data@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lib.jmu.edu/org/ jwl/

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