Tell Me A Story: Using Data to Demonstrate Value

Libraries are data-rich environments, collecting an abundance of quantifiable metrics: collection counts, door counts, circulation statistics, number of classes taught, event attendance, website traffic, number of literature requests, and more. However, simply amassing numbers is not enough. Why do we gather these metrics? What value do they hold if they are disconnected from the story of the library’s true impact? More importantly, how do we craft compelling narratives with these data that resonate with stakeholders beyond the library, especially those influencing decisions about our future? It starts with knowing and understanding the needs and values of your audience and then building a strategy to contextualize your efforts in a meaningful way. This chapter will delve into the critical role of storytelling in making library data meaningful. By aligning metrics with the priorities and values of our diverse audiences, we can transform raw data into a persuasive narrative that demonstrates the library’s tangible impact, both within our units and beyond. This chapter will explore theoretical frameworks for building compelling value propositions and creating data-informed stories that highlight the library’s contributions. Through a hypothetical case study and thought activity, we will illustrate how libraries can go beyond traditional metrics, identifying additional data points that better capture their broader impact on learning, research, and community engagement. The chapter will also introduce approaches to measuring success, looking beyond simple growth in services to explore more nuanced measures to build a robust picture of the library’s contribution to the organization.