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Collection analytics is an essential capability for expanding the shared print program and for a range of future work with shared collections. Collection analysis tools enable members to coordinate effort and gain​ mutual benefit in the context of the shared collection​

What is the BIG CAT (Collection Analysis Tool)?

BIG CAT is the powerful collection analysis tool comprising the full holdings of member libraries. It is developed in partnership with the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries. Member libraries provide exports of MARC records and associated item metadata and offer regular updates along with local mapping information regarding shelf locations, resource sharing fulfillment status, open/closed patron access status, and special collections status. The collective collection leveraged for analysis includes more than 100 million records for items.   

Who can use the tool?

Anyone working in a member library can set up an account and begin engaging with the tool. Each member library has a BIG CAT Ingest Coordinator (see the ) who has access to the invitation code and the ability to provide it to colleagues who want to set up an account. Accounts are not available for individuals outside the Alliance.

What does it let you do?

The BIG CAT Collection Analysis Tool provides the ability for anyone with an account to use a faceted interface to compare and describe collective BTAA and individual member holdings around, create reports and visualizations.

The tool’s powerful capabilities support a flexible and extensive range of use cases.  Descriptive analyses and comparisons are available within the interface along with the ability to export record sets defined through analytics. 

The Alliance's library community is using the tool to begin a process of collective learning that is informing the first generation of agreements that will launch commitments to the distributed shared collection​

​In addition, member libraries can use the tool to begin making local decisions​ based on their library’s data. Over time, members can strategically invest in their collections in the context of the shared collection

Learning how to use the tool 

• A recorded training session that introduces the tool is available
  

• The Getting Started Guide includes important context on the analysis tool, tips on using the tool, and information on field mapping from metadata fields to facets in the tool.

• Alliance library community groups can request focused training sessions or consultation on using the analysis tool for a specific project by contacting karla.strieb@btaa.org