Philippine E-Journals

OPAC ACCESS AND USAGE DATA ANALYSIS USING AN OPEN SOURCE WEB ANALYTICS SOFTWARE

Ma. Celine Larracas | Fernan R. Dizon

 

Abstract:

Purpose/objectives. This paper examines and presents a single case study of an implementation and use of an open source, web analytics software in analyzing access and search data of an open source, integrated library system’s (ILS) online public access catalog (OPAC) to guide the collection development priorities of the Asian Institute of Management’s Knowledge Resource Center (AIM-KRC). Data collected from its OPAC (Koha) using a web analytic tool (Matomo) provided helpful insights necessary for informed decision making as far as library collection development is concerned. Significance of the study. This paper contributes to the study of open-source library management systems and web analytics software as applied and used in a Philippine academic library setting. Currently, very few studies in this area have been conducted in Philippine libraries. In times when libraries’ budgets are cut, libraries must find more cost-effective ways of building its collection, by using open-source software and systems. This would result in savings for libraries; savings which could be used in acquiring more library materials. Design, methodology, approach. This study utilized a descriptive, research design, using case study as its main research methodology. After presenting detailed information about the case, the researchers presented the OPAC usage data collected using Matomo, an open-source web analytics software, as installed and used in the case’s cloud-based, Koha ILS’s web server. Data extracted, presented, and analyzed covered the period September 2018 to July 2019. Findings. The data collected is presented and analyzed using matrices, graphs, and infographics. To ensure alignment of the research questions, data gathering methodology, and data analysis framework, a justification matrix is provided. Aside from the justification matrix, a consistency matrix of the research findings, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations is also presented for clarity and transparency. Research limitations and implication. Since this is a single case study, the research findings of this study are limited/applicable to this case only. Originality of the paper. This study is one of the very few studies conducted by a Philippine academic library on the use of an open-source web analytics software installed in an open-source ILS. This study and its findings may be used as a reference and guide by academic librarians planning to embark on using open-source web analytic tools in analyzing their users’ OPAC access and use.