Understanding COUNTER 5 metrics in context: a case study on vendor database usage reports. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Getsay, Heather; Chen-Gaffey, Aiping
• Is Part Of: Journal of electronic resources librarianship. Volume 33:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: COUNTER Code of Practice -- Release 5 -- usage statistics -- database reports; Acquisition of electronic information resources -- Periodicals; Electronic information resources -- Management -- Periodicals; Libraries and electronic publishing -- Periodicals; Collection management (Libraries) -- Periodicals; 025.284
• DOI: 10.1080/1941126X.2021.1911450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1941-126X

Abstract

Abstract: This case study examines the COUNTER 5 metrics pertaining to database usage reports, aiming to gain insights into how the metrics function within a vendor platform. By simulating a search process in two major databases, the authors were able to contextualize the numbers in their institution's COUNTER 5 Database Master Reports. The study finds that even though the Release 5 metrics – searches, investigations, and requests – are clearly defined by the COUNTER standard, the vendor platform design has a direct impact on how the usage is actually counted, thus shaping the outcome of a database usage report.