The need to support learning and provide equal access to information does not stop when a health emergency arises. It becomes even more important, and as such, libraries of all types in the Commonwealth quickly responded to 2020's emerging crisis by enhancing existing services and creating innovative new services, proving that once again, library staff are vital participants in providing for the well-being of patrons. This column explores how library workers and libraries in Virginia quickly adapted to restrictions imposed as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail a Library open source software (OSS) development project resulting in the launch of StatBase, a statistical gathering and data visualization tool, so that organizations can adopt a locally managed alternative to costly data aggregation tools. Design/methodology/approach – This case study is based on a literature review, Agile development framework, and user experience modeling. The software solution features a Joomla framework with contributed modules and open source architecture. Findings – This case study demonstrates the creation and practical implementation of a scalable OSS platform for data management and analysis. Practical implications – Provides a frame of reference and methodology for libraries, both public and academic, seeking to implement a web-based resource to gather, organize, and interpret statistical metrics via a centralized, lightweight, open source architecture. Originality/value – This case study provides a detailed scope and step-by-step technology process description by which an organization can adopt or model the StatBase solution for business metrics.
