HAPLR Index Calculation Details

Calculation Numbers for Libraries over 500,000 Population

The explanation below covers the methods employed to arrive at the Index scores. For further illustration from the previous edition, see the Data for 500K Libraries Page. Scrolling does not work very well on this version. The segment of the provided is the section for the libraries in the U.S serving over 500,000 population. I have included explanations of the Federal State cooperative Service data where possible. I hope that the spreadsheet along with the narrative below will clarify the procedure.

Note that this will take a long time to load on slower connections. Note also that there are 73 rows and 85 columns to the spreadsheet. Please also note that the calculations and index methodology in the attached spreadsheet are copyrighted and not intended for publication, or any other use beyond examination. The calculations are provided here for those who wish to examine the methodology.

We are unable to send a copy of the data for the HAPLR index in print form. We have never printed it out, because there is simply too much data. We estimate that a printout of all the data and calculations would run in excess of 2,000 pages. The MS Excel files with the data are in many separate files totaling over 25 megabytes. Those wishing to have individualized rating sheets should turn to the order form page.

Calculation Methods

All 15 measures are calculated for each of libraries in the over 500,000-population group. Each library is then ranked on each of the 15 measures.

Measures and their related weights are listed in the table below. The first six are input measures, the remaining nine are output measures.

Measurement Category	HALPR Weight
Expend. per capita	3
Percent Budget to materials	2
Materials Expend. Per capita	2
FTE staff per 1,000 popul	2
Periodicals per 1000 residents	1
Volumes per Capita	1
Cost per circulation (low to high)	3
Visits per capita	3
Collection turnover	2
Circulation per FTE Staff Hour	2
Circulation per Capita	2
Reference per capita	2
Circulation per hour	2
Visits per hour	1
Circulation per visit	1

In a previous edition there were 72 libraries in over 500,000-population category (100K)

For a given sample, let us suppose that the expenditure per capita rank is 22. Since the weight is 3, the expenditure per capita score is then (72-22=50) times 3 = 150

Volumes per capita rank is 12 weight is 1. Volumes per capita score is (72-12=60) times 1 = 60.

Take special note that cost per circulation is rated low to high, assuming that lowest cost is best. Therefore the calculation for this factor differs, it is the rank times weighting rather than the number of libraries minus the rank that is used.

Cost per circulation rank is 10, weight is 3, so cost per circulation score is 10 times 3 = 30.

The above scores, plus the remaining 12 items, total 1,073 for a given sample library.

Next we note that there are 29 weighted points, so divide 1,073 score by 29 get a weighted average score for all measures of 37.0.

Divided weighted score of 37.0 by the 72 libraries in population group and multiply by 1000 to get the index rating.

37.0 divided by 0.513889

Multiply by 1000 to get 514 as the index number for the library.

Finally, arrange all 72 libraries in the grouping by index score to get a ranking for each library on the index score.