Toronto, ON – Feb. 12, 2020 – BookNet Canada launches new data analysis tool to participating libraries this week

LibraryData, Canada’s first-ever system for the aggregation and analysis of data from public libraries across the country, launches today. The system is being rolled out to library wholesalers and public library systems that have been contributing their collection and circulation data during a beta period over the past few months, including those in Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Hanover, Orangeville, Vancouver, and Saskatoon, among others.

With libraries delivering weekly reports to the system, LibraryData will now function as the ultimate source of nationwide data on loans, holds, renewals, on order, and collection holdings data, providing unprecedented insight into the public library market in Canada.

LibraryData is also integrated with BNC SalesData, the national sales tracking service for the Canadian English-language trade book market, so library performance can be examined in context with retail sales. All users of the integrated system will be able to drive discovery through the production of overall ‘Popular Books’ lists; examine trends by genre, regions, authors; and more.

“Libraries have lagged behind book retailers when it comes to sharing and analyzing this level of data,” said Jefferson Gilbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) / Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada, who supported the project’s development.

“By consolidating our data, we can speak for the reading habits of all Canadian library users and make sure our work is understood and appropriately valued by associations, publishers, the government, and other industry participants. The facilitation of better communication stands to strengthen our role as advocates and stalwarts of the Canadian book industry.”

The system is currently only available to libraries who contribute their data and pay a fee. Other members of the book industry, including publishers and retailers, will be invited to access the system later in 2020. In addition to supporting libraries in their work, LibraryData will allow suppliers and publishers to investigate trends, identify collection opportunities, and access a full view of their titles’ performance in the Canadian market.

Information from LibraryData is already being used to produce most-borrowed lists and other studies on the public library market. To learn more about the system, visit booknetcanada.ca/librarydata.

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BookNet Canada is a non-profit organization that develops technology, standards, and education to serve the Canadian book industry. Founded in 2002 to address systemic challenges in the industry, BookNet Canada supports publishing companies, booksellers, wholesalers, distributors, sales agents, and libraries across the country.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund (CBF) for this project. / Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du Fonds du livre du Canada (FLC) pour ce projet.

Media Contact:
Zalina Alvi
Marketing & Communications Manager
BookNet Canada
zalvi@booknetcanada.ca
(416) 362-5057 x 2250