Will be genuinely quite interesting to see how many library services have completed CIPFA stats for the previous year. Perhaps @CIPFA will be able to advise? There is no obligation to do so, and many library services will not want to, and have other things on their mind 1/4

Interesting, because although that process is bad, and should be replaced with open publishing, there is a growing backlash to ANY library data. Seeing a high level downward trend is depressing, especially one that some claim is performance-related 2/4

The most obvious reaction to stats that paint a poor picture is to dig deeper. More detail, more #OpenData to increase visibility, and expanding use by combining with other data sources. That would mean ditching CIPFA, but will also mean greater focus on #LibraryData. 3/4

But it looks likely the opposite could happen. Less data, more alternative methods. Such as return on investment estimations. Does it matter? It does for making data-informed decisions and for operating well. Collaborative data work and data skills training are needed. 4/4