Open Data BR has published two new datasets of statistics pertaining to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system.

The EBRP Library Circulation Statistics dataset shows the total number of times items were checked out or renewed at each branch monthly. It also includes monthly totals for interlibrary loans of materials; total checkouts and renewals from the Outreach department, which runs the bookmobiles; and downloads of ebooks, videos, and audiobooks from the Overdrive system.

The EBRP Library Gate Counts dataset provides the total number of patrons who visited all 14 library branches in the parish for every month dating back to 2011 (the Fairview branch’s data begins when it opened in 2013). The dataset also includes attendance at Recycled Reads, one-day sales events for materials donated to the library. These sales are held monthly, except in November and December, at the Outreach facility at 3434 North Blvd.

These datasets enable users to compare branches’ activity levels; research results can be embedded on another website or exported in a variety of spreadsheet formats. For example, to compare two branches’ circulation numbers in the year 2018:

• Click the Visualize tab.
• Click the Add Filter button; select Year is equal to 2018 from the menus.
• Under Data Selection, scroll down and choose the Month category from the Dimension drop-down menu.
• Add each branch name in the Measure feature from its drop-down menu.

A column chart works well as a visual representation for this type of research; other options include bar graph, pie chart, map, histogram, and timeline.

The datasets will be updated regularly with information provided by the EBRP Library System.