Library Acquisitions

Non-COUNTER compliant usage statistics" refers to data about how often digital resources like journal articles are accessed, but this data is not reported according to the standards set by the COUNTER (Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources) Code of Practice, meaning it may not be directly comparable to usage data from other publishers or platforms due to inconsistencies in how the data is collected and presented; essentially, it's a way of saying the usage statistics are not standardized and may not be reliable for making accurate comparisons across different sources.

Key points about non-COUNTER compliant usage statistics:

Lack of standardization:

Unlike COUNTER compliant data, non-COUNTER data may use different metrics, definitions, and reporting formats, making it difficult to accurately compare usage across various publishers or platforms.

Potential for inaccuracies:

Since there are no set guidelines for collecting and reporting non-COUNTER data, it could be prone to errors or inconsistencies in how usage is counted.

Limited usability for decision-making:

Librarians and researchers often rely on COUNTER compliant data to make informed decisions about resource acquisition and collection development because it provides a reliable basis for comparison.

Why is COUNTER compliance important?

Fair comparison:

By adhering to the COUNTER standards, publishers and vendors can provide usage data in a consistent format, allowing libraries to compare usage across different platforms and make informed decisions about resource selection.

Data quality assurance:

The COUNTER Code of Practice outlines specific metrics and reporting procedures, ensuring the quality and reliability of usage statistics.

Resources:

Code of Practice: COUNTER Metrics

What is Counter Compliant Data?

A Brief History of COUNTER and SUSHI