JSTOR usage data and what it can tell us about ourselves: is there predictability based on historical use by libraries of similar size?

Abstract

PurposeSets out to explore what effects institutional size and the selections of JSTOR collections have on the overall (total) usage statistics.Design/methodology/approachThis is a preliminary report of JSTOR use made by five academic libraries of similar size and scale; a sixth smaller campus is used to contrast/support findings. A comparison study of the five institutions' usage was conducted using JSTOR data logs, journal title and subject analysis.FindingsThe authors discovered that use of JSTOR is impacted by a complex blend of additional JSTOR collections.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors suspect that faculty and their familiarity with the resource, plus information literacy programming, have a greater influence on JSTOR use. This study has identified a need for additional review of bibliographic instruction, integrated information literacy practices and the role of library marketing programs. A study of journal holdings (current and previous) compared with JSTOR usage may prove fruitful for collection management.Originality/valueThe authors expanded the knowledge base by investigating JSTOR usage data from six rural state‐funded institutions in South Dakota and Texas. This preliminary review identified trends in institutional and regional usage within JSTOR collections. Areas of further research are identified.