Searching for library’s economic sustainability in bookshelves: the multidimensional role of circulation analysis

Abstract

The purpose of the present research is to highlight the role of circulation analysis in supporting the financial sustainability of academic libraries. As the full transition to an exclusively electronic environment has not yet been achieved, the hybrid nature of contemporary libraries sustains ongoing interest in the circulation of printed materials. Drawing on circulation data from a distance learning institution’s library (Hellenic Open University (HOU) Distance Library and Information Center), the study seeks to identify titles with low or no usage and to examine how factors such as publication date and language influence circulation patterns.

A comprehensive analysis of the printed collection’s circulation statistics reveals multidimensional issues related to collection development. These issues concern, among others, the restructuring of acquisition models, the physical location of the library’s central department, the establishment of new branches, staffing considerations, and the formulation of effective collection promotion policies. Circulation data analysis should not be viewed solely as a means of fulfilling accounting requirements, but rather as a strategic tool that supports informed decision-making. Through systematic circulation analysis, the role of the librarian is enhanced, positioning them as both a steward of collections and a key contributor to the library’s financial viability. Given that the pandemic compelled many libraries to operate as distance learning institutions, the findings derived from circulation analysis in a distance library context are of broader relevance and applicability.