Library Dashboard

Performance Measures

Materials & Resources

TITLE OF PERFORMANCE MEASURE

Circulation per Capita

WHAT IS THE MEASURE?

This indicator reports on the average number of library material circulations per Clearwater Resident.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Measuring circulation per capita is a crucial gauge for community engagement and utilization of the library’s material resources. This measurement aids in evaluating the activity and engagement with the physical collection of Clearwater’s libraries relative to the resident population, assisting in identifying trends and further informing resource allocation.

HOW WE ARE DOING IT

The circulation per capita is measured by dividing the total number of circulations of physical library materials, commonly referred to as ‘checkouts,’ with the total resident population of the city of Clearwater.

 

TITLE OF PERFORMANCE MEASURE

Collection Turnover Rate

WHAT IS THE MEASURE?

This indicator reports on the average number of times a physical item in the Clearwater Public Library System’s collection is checked out by library cardholders.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Measuring the collection turnover rate for the city’s Public Library System aids in assessing how often physical materials are borrowed. The collection turnover rate may suggest demand trends of certain segments of the collection, and ensures optimal use of space, resources, and purchasing decisions to meet community needs.

HOW WE ARE DOING IT

The collection turnover rate is determined by measuring the total number of circulations of physical materials against the total collection size of the Clearwater Public Library System.

 

TITLE OF PERFORMANCE MEASURE

Collection Size per Capita

WHAT IS THE MEASURE?

This indicator reports on the average number of physical library materials available to each Clearwater Resident through the Clearwater Public Library System’s collection.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Measuring collection size per capita is an important metric to assess whether the volume of materials available at Clearwater’s libraries are adequately sized relative to our resident population, aiding in the future planning and development of library materials to support equitable access to information for all residents.

HOW WE ARE DOING IT

The collection size per capita is measured by dividing the total number of physical library materials available through the Clearwater Public Library System, with the total resident population of the city of Clearwater.

 

TITLE OF PERFORMANCE MEASURE

Net Lending Ratio

WHAT IS THE MEASURE?

This indicator reports on the ratio of library materials lent from, and borrowed by, the Clearwater Public Library System with other member libraries of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Measuring the net lending ratio indicates the balance between materials borrowed and lent out to other libraries. This metric assesses the demand for the Clearwater Public Library System’s collection both locally and throughout the PPLC, guiding collection development and interlibrary loan practices, ensuring that the needs of all patrons are effectively met by regional collaboration.

HOW WE ARE DOING IT

The net lending ratio is calculated by measuring the total number of physical library materials lent from the Clearwater Public Library System’s collection against the total number of library materials borrowed from other member libraries of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative.

 

TITLE OF PERFORMANCE MEASURE

Percentage of Collection Added Within Last Five Years

WHAT IS THE MEASURE?

This indicator reports on the percentage of physical library materials that have been added to the collection within the past five calendar years.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Measuring the percentage of the library’s collection added within the last five years ensures that all Clearwater libraries continue to meet the evolving needs and interests of the community through the maintenance of a current and relevant collection for user satisfaction and engagement.

HOW WE ARE DOING IT

The percentage of collection added within the last five years is determined by measuring the number of physical materials added within the past five calendar years, against the number of all materials within the Clearwater Public Library System’s collection.