A Two-Tiered Model for Analyzing Library Website Usage Statistics, Part 1: Web Server Logs

The author proposes a two-tiered model for analyzing website usage statistics for academic libraries: one tier for library administrators that analyzes measures indicating library use, and a second tier for website managers that analyzes measures that aid in server maintenance and site design. The author discusses the technology of website usage statistics, including several caveats about the accuracy of derived counts, and recommends important measures for each tier. Part 1 describes Web server logs and the challenges inherent in their analysis. Part 2 presents recommendations for conducting log file analysis to obtain meaningful information, benefiting administrators and site managers.