33 ARL Academic Health Sciences Library Statistics 2014–2015
7
© 2015 Association of Research Libraries, Washington, DC
If a contact includes both reference and directional services, it should be reported as one reference
transaction. Include virtual reference transactions (e.g., e-mail, WWW form, chat). Duration should not be an
element in determining whether a transaction is a reference transaction. Sampling based on a typical week may
be used to extrapolate TO A FULL YEAR. Please indicate if the figure is based on sampling.
EXCLUDE SIMPLE DIRECTIONAL QUESTIONS. A directional transaction is an information contact
that facilitates the logistical use of the library and that does not involve the knowledge, use, recommendations,
interpretation, or instruction in the use or creation of information sources other than those that describe the
library, such as schedules, floor plans, and handbooks.
CIRCLUATION:
Question 17. Initial circulations (excluding reserves). Count the number of initial circulations during the fiscal
year from the general collection for use usually (although not always) outside the library. Do not count renewals.
Exclude e-books. Include circulations to and from remote storage facilities for library users (i.e., do not include
transactions reflecting transfers or stages of technical processing). Count the total number of items lent, not the
number of borrowers.
USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES:
Questions 18-20. Use of Electronic Resources. Items reported should follow definitions as defined in the
COUNTER Code of Practice (www.projectcounter.org). In a footnote, please include the types of resources for
which you are reporting data. It is recommended that ONLY data that follow the COUNTER definitions be
reported. Any exceptions should be documented in a footnote.
INTERLIBRARY LOANS:
Questions 21-22. Interlibrary Loans. Report the number of requests for material (both returnables and non-
returnables) provided to other libraries and the number of filled requests received from other libraries or
providers. For both of these figures, include originals, photocopies, and materials sent by fax or other forms of
electronic transmission. Include patron-initiated transactions. Exclude requests for materials locally owned and
available on the shelves or electronically. Do not include transactions between libraries covered by this
questionnaire.
GATE COUNT:
Question 23. Report the total annual gate count.
Annual gate count is
The number of persons who physically enter the library in a year. The total includes persons
who visit in groups and persons who visit for library-sponsored programs. It is understood that
a single person may be counted more than once if they enter the library multiple times. Include
annexes and other such facilities if they provide public access. If the library is virtual or entirely
electronic, please leave the line blank. [Note: this definition is modified from the ANSI/NISO Z39.7-
2013 and Academic Library Survey 2012 definitions for gate count.]
7
© 2015 Association of Research Libraries, Washington, DC
If a contact includes both reference and directional services, it should be reported as one reference
transaction. Include virtual reference transactions (e.g., e-mail, WWW form, chat). Duration should not be an
element in determining whether a transaction is a reference transaction. Sampling based on a typical week may
be used to extrapolate TO A FULL YEAR. Please indicate if the figure is based on sampling.
EXCLUDE SIMPLE DIRECTIONAL QUESTIONS. A directional transaction is an information contact
that facilitates the logistical use of the library and that does not involve the knowledge, use, recommendations,
interpretation, or instruction in the use or creation of information sources other than those that describe the
library, such as schedules, floor plans, and handbooks.
CIRCLUATION:
Question 17. Initial circulations (excluding reserves). Count the number of initial circulations during the fiscal
year from the general collection for use usually (although not always) outside the library. Do not count renewals.
Exclude e-books. Include circulations to and from remote storage facilities for library users (i.e., do not include
transactions reflecting transfers or stages of technical processing). Count the total number of items lent, not the
number of borrowers.
USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES:
Questions 18-20. Use of Electronic Resources. Items reported should follow definitions as defined in the
COUNTER Code of Practice (www.projectcounter.org). In a footnote, please include the types of resources for
which you are reporting data. It is recommended that ONLY data that follow the COUNTER definitions be
reported. Any exceptions should be documented in a footnote.
INTERLIBRARY LOANS:
Questions 21-22. Interlibrary Loans. Report the number of requests for material (both returnables and non-
returnables) provided to other libraries and the number of filled requests received from other libraries or
providers. For both of these figures, include originals, photocopies, and materials sent by fax or other forms of
electronic transmission. Include patron-initiated transactions. Exclude requests for materials locally owned and
available on the shelves or electronically. Do not include transactions between libraries covered by this
questionnaire.
GATE COUNT:
Question 23. Report the total annual gate count.
Annual gate count is
The number of persons who physically enter the library in a year. The total includes persons
who visit in groups and persons who visit for library-sponsored programs. It is understood that
a single person may be counted more than once if they enter the library multiple times. Include
annexes and other such facilities if they provide public access. If the library is virtual or entirely
electronic, please leave the line blank. [Note: this definition is modified from the ANSI/NISO Z39.7-
2013 and Academic Library Survey 2012 definitions for gate count.]
