Trustees review usage data infographic and $5,000 patron-driven giving suggestions

Trustees reviewed a new monthly usage infographic and results of a DCPLA-run "patron-driven" giving survey funded with $5,000.

Staff cautioned that some metrics have limitations: new accounts can be miscounted when users apply online but complete registration later, and gate-count data depend on an older vendor platform that recently changed. "Not all of our statistical gathering is perfect," staff said, noting examples such as duplicated online accounts and vendor platform sunset that limit retroactive reporting.

Trustees asked how visits are counted, what qualifies as an outreach trip and whether ebook and e-magazine checkouts through consortium platforms count toward Daly City totals; staff said Daly City users checking out consortium-licensed items should be included in Daly City usage counts. Trustees requested year-over-year trend reports and branch-level breakdowns for the next packet.

Separately, the board reviewed results from a community-driven giving exercise for a $5,000 DCPLA allocation. The largest number of suggestions (about 45) fell under programs (authors, performers, workshops); other prominent categories were lending collections and furnishings. Staff said the subcommittee or task force will evaluate suggestions and recommend funding or reallocation if chosen items cost less than the $5,000 allotment.

Trustees praised DCPLA’s collaboration and asked staff to send follow-up acknowledgements to survey participants who provided contact information.