ABSTRACT
An important aspect of a computerized library system is its ability to produce information about how the system is being used, and whether it is performing as well as expected. That the information should actually be useful to management for the better running of the library is essential, but sadly, for too long, librarians have been happily producing vast quantities of data upon which they have often been unable to act, or even understand. Simply knowing how many books are issued in a year is of only limited value unless related to total stock, membership figures and so on. The computer is perfectly happy and able to produce reams of figures; it is the responsibility of the librarian to ask for the right data, and having been presented with it, to actually make use of it.
