Applying data mining principles to a library data collection

Volume 20, Number 4 • April 2000

Applying data mining principles to a library data collection — Data mining can help you make decisions and serve patrons better
by Kim Guenther

BUILDING DIGITAL LIBRARIES column focuses on applying data mining principles to library data collections. Defines data mining as the process of identifying patterns, trends, and correlations across large amounts of collected data. States that in a library setting, it may be necessary to learn more about the needs of particular user groups in order to focus services and collections, or to assess the use of particular resources in order to make collection development decisions. Observes that it is easy to identify the data to capture, but acquiring this data adds a whole new layer of complexity. Says that collecting data cannot be done in a vacuum, as it needs be compared and contrasted. Concludes that while sophisticated data mining may not yet take place in most libraries, its core concepts apply in helping to tailor services to meet continually evolving user needs. Contains a list of references and a diagram.