Resources

Health Sciences Library Statistics & Benchmarking

2007 MLA Benchmarking Survey

Welcome to the third MLA benchmarking network survey! The survey will remain open October 12, 2007 to January 31, 2008. Data entry is open to all libraries, including nonmembers; we are pleased to welcome the participation of Canadian Health Libraries Association / Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada members! Nonmember participants and MLA Chapter members that are not currently members of MLA will receive a significant discount on access to reports generated from survey data. Watch for details later this Fall.

Enter Your Data

2007 data entry worksheet. If you have never participated, use this worksheet to record your data ahead of time. Previous participants, we recommend you log in and print out each questionnaire (with your previous answers included) prior to entering your data. All pages are printer-friendly.
Enter the 2007 benchmarking network survey site
Can't log in? If we have no record of you being affiliated with an institution, are a nonmember, or a CHLA/ABSC member who has NOT received an email from MLA headquarters, you will not have automatic access to enter data. Request access to enter data via the online benchmarking access request form. We'll set up your account and email you the details.
Bencharking Chapter Liaisons: benchmarking assistance at the chapter level
Benchmarking Network Editorial Board
Data Definitions
Data Editors and Editors' Confidentiality Agreement
FAQ Pages
It’s Not An Urban Legend: Medical Librarians’ Success Stories with MLA Benchmarking Data
Research vignettes: Janet L. Cowen, AHIP, discusses using benchmarking data (be sure to watch both!)
[Part I—3m25s; QuickTime 8.5MB | Windows Media 8MB;
Part II—3m25s; QuickTime 8.5MB | Windows Media 8MB]
Top 10 Myths, MLA 2007 Benchmarking Survey

Changes From Previous Survey

Questionnaire revision: All questions have been identified either as PROFILE questions (P- in front of each question on the worksheet) or CORE questions (C- in front of each question on the worksheet). For hospital libraries, we have added questions on Magnet status and IHI campaigns (quality initiatives); hospital service area population; primary user population; and an "independent teaching hospital" option. For hospital system libraries, we have removed all but identifying and demographic information. For all libraries, we have added questions on library emergency preparedness or disaster-recovery initiatives; health literacy activities; evidence-based practice or patient safety initiatives; and clarification of questions relating to print and electronic resources.
Preloaded data: if you participated with substantive data in the 2004 benchmarking survey, your data has been retained and will be automatically preloaded in each PROFILE (P-) field that you answered for you to change or approve. For CORE questions, previous participants will see their earlier data reported underneath each question, but will need to physically enter the correct information for this survey.
Survey completion status bar: keep track of your survey status!
Expanded and ongoing editing process: when all questionnaires are complete, a "final submission" is required by the user. Your data will be forwarded to our expert editors for vetting and solving any problems or questions. All editors are subject to our data confidentiality agreement and are identified here. This process will speed the development and availability of the data reporting features once the survey is complete.

MLA members, visit the members-only Benchmark Network Website for information about and reports from the 2001 and 2004 surveys.