Reference enquiries and physical visits
Reference enquiries and physical visits to the library are standard performance measures that all Queensland public libraries should collect. These performance measures are incorporated into the annual Statistical Bulletin and the national public library statistical report. For further information on the reporting requirements refer to the Operational Services Standard, section 1.2.4 Standard for statistical collection and analysis.
The collection method for these statistics can be either a continuous year-round count or by way of four annual samples. These samples are then used to determine an annual estimate, where the totals of the sample periods are multiplied by 6.5 to provide estimated annual statistics. You will be asked to indicate the collection method used when entering data for the annual Statistical Bulletin return.
Reference enquiries sampling
A reference enquiry is defined as a transaction where a staff member finds or recommends relevant resources within the library, assists in the use of these sources or answers the enquirer's question either through the use of library tools or by reference to other sources of information, e.g. the Internet.
- Bibliographical enquiries should be included.
- Directional and administrative enquiries should be omitted.
Each separate transaction by the same library user should be counted as a new enquiry. Choose either the Expanded or Condensed version of the recording form available below, depending on your local circumstances and requirements.
Reference enquiry [new window 
16 kb]: Expanded version of sample statistics
Reference enquiry [new window 16 kb]: Condensed version of sample
Physical visits sampling
An important distinction with this measure is that it is reporting visits, not visitors. A physical visit to the library is defined as a visit to the library by a member of the public, where the same visitor returning numerous times is to be counted on each separate entry to the library. It is recommended that the same sample periods are used for both reference enquiries and physical visits.
Sample periods in 2011-2012
The sample periods are set for 14 calendar days, beginning on a Sunday and concluding on a Saturday. This ensures the full spread of library opening hours are included, whatever combination of hours or days your library is open to the public.
201118th September – 1st October (School Holiday Sample)
13th November – 26th November
2012
12th February - 25th February
13th May – 26th May
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Last updated: 28th November 2011
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