Getting Started
Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends provides libraries with data visualizations that facilitate comparisons with customized peer groups, Carnegie classes, and nationwide data. Peer comparisons, or benchmarking, can help libraries better understand their performance and can support everyday decision making, such as establishing baselines and identifying opportunities to improve service.
Benchmark serves two main functions:
- Data Access and Visualizations that Facilitate Peer Comparison. Benchmark features a range of visualizations which correspond to the principles in the ACRL Standards for Libraries in Higher Education. The data dashboards and comparison tools are robust, interactive, and user-friendly.
- Survey Administration. Benchmark is where institutions are able to submit their data for the annual Academic Library Trends and Statistics Survey, which is the largest survey of academic libraries in the country, providing one of the most comprehensive portraits of the impact that academic libraries have across the United States.
Access
All academic libraries have free access that allows them to:
- View and complete open surveys.
- See their responses to past ACRL surveys.
- View a summary page with selected metrics and visualizations for the library, its Carnegie classification, and all libraries nationwide.
- Manage the library’s contact information and contact preferences.
- Review resources about the data, the survey, and how to use Benchmark.
Subscribers have access to additional features, including:
- A robust set of interactive data dashboards with visualizations and filters.
- A custom report builder that includes longitudinal metrics.
- The ability to create custom peer groups for benchmarking.
Navigating Your Library’s Benchmark account
- The first time you log in at librarybenchmark.org click on your library’s ID at the top right to change your password.
- On the Home page you will see select metrics and visualizations showing comparisons between your library, your peer group, and all (national) data.
- Click on Manage Institution in the menu at the top to edit your library’s preferred contact details. While each library has only a single account, you may have multiple contacts on that account. Contacts will receive notifications related to surveys.
- On the Surveys page, you will see links to any open surveys and links to your library’s responses to past ACRL surveys.
- The Resources page has guidance on using Benchmark and reference copies of past surveys.
- At the top of the Home page is a link to the subscription form.
Subscribers will see menu links for the Survey Metrics Dashboard, Peer Groups, and Custom Report
Subscriptions
Any library or organization can set up a free account. If your library/organization does not have an IPEDS ID or login ID, contact acrlbenchmark@ala.org.
The types of subscriptions offered include:
| Type | Description | Cost per year |
| Academic Library | Subscriptions and surveys are handled at the institutional level. An institution may include multiple library locations. | $630 Discounts available for ALA organizational members and survey participants. |
| Consortium/ Group | A consortium or other group may purchase one subscription that provides access for up to 10 libraries. Additional libraries can be added at a discounted rate. | $3,150 for up to 10 libraries, and additional libraries for $210 each. |
| Corporate | Companies and other for-profit organizations. | $1,890 Discounts available for ALA organizational members. |
| Individual Consultant / Researcher | A short-term subscription for a single consultant or researcher. | $99 for 30 days |