Measuring and Managing Circulation Activity Using Circulation Rates

This paper examines the circulation rate, the measure of items checked out per unit time, as a more accurate and useful yardstick of circulation activity than monthly volume. The article defines formulas for calculating circulation rates including items/day and items/hour for libraries open different days and hours. Circulation rates can be applied to individual libraries, systems, and categories of materials. Also examined is the utility of the circulation rate as a work load standard to guide staffing for checkout and shelving.