Analysis

Contributions to Talis Source have rapidly grown since May 2006. The service offers a broader range of items, more accurate data, greater number of records and increased regional coverage. The following graphs show how the service has improved in each of these areas.

Growth of bibliographic records in the Talis Source dataset

The growing number of FE and HE libraries contributing, and an increase in libraries from regions such as Wales, the West Midlands and London has added to the number of bibliographical records. This increases the likelihood that a request is satisfied quicker.

Total percentage holdings by region

Talis Source represents an even spread of libraries from across regions in the UK and Ireland.

Total holdings growth over 2005/06

During the summer, Talis completed an extensive data cleansing program, removing many outdated holdings. Once completed, Talis continued to load new and accurate holdings processing a year’s worth of records in just one month.

Talis Source now has over 54 million holdings, a staggering 37% increase from May 2006.

Institutions with holdings in Talis Source

The number of institutions in Talis Source continues to grow in each region across the UK and Ireland. The numbers reflect a significant cross-section of libraries from public, academic and special library communities.

Participation of HE libraries

Over 45 HE libraries participate with Talis Source. The graph above demonstrates that an interlending tool such as UnityWeb (a service previously hosted by Talis) proved to limit engagement with HE libraries. Talis Source however, encourages participation of all libraries regardless of sector by providing benefits wider than interlending.