Transforming Library Data Management with WhoFi: Time-Saving, Insightful, and Impactful

Libraries play a crucial role in their communities, providing valuable resources, services, and programming. However, the administrative side—library data management, compiling reports, and justifying funding—can be overwhelming. That’s where WhoFi comes in, revolutionizing how libraries collect, manage, and present their data.

From small rural libraries to large urban institutions, WhoFi’s Question Sets is transforming the way staff manage statistics. It is saving hours of manual work while providing accurate and actionable insights. Here’s how libraries across the country are benefiting from WhoFi.

Simplifying Data Collection & Reporting

Many libraries previously relied on Excel spreadsheets, manual logs, and paper records to track attendance, reference questions, and computer usage. This made annual state surveys and board reports time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies.

With WhoFi’s centralized data tracking, libraries can:

🤷 Eliminate guesswork and manual tracking – No more averaging numbers or hunting down lost spreadsheets.
🖥️ Easily input data in real-time – Staff can enter visitor counts, reference questions, computer checkouts, and program attendance in one place.
Auto-populate state annual reports – Libraries using WhoFi’s Question Sets have seen reporting time cut in half, with data ready to be transferred into state surveys.
🏢 Quickly generate board and city council reports – A few clicks provide clear, easy-to-read reports, reducing prep time from hours to minutes.

“Prior to WhoFi, we were using Excel, which worked but was difficult to manage each year. Now, we log in and enter our data, knowing it’s safely stored and instantly accessible for reports.” – Jonatha Basye, Van Meter Public Library & Brittany Wallace, New Albin Public Library

librarian advocating with data

Empowering Staff & Enhancing Collaboration

WhoFi isn’t just about automation—it’s about creating a more collaborative data culture within libraries. Instead of one person compiling all the statistics, data entry can be decentralized, allowing multiple staff members to input real-time stats without the need for constant oversight.

🤲 Staff collaboration – Everyone can contribute to data tracking, leading to a more accurate representation of library activities.
🧠 Better decision-making – Library data management comes easy, track event attendance, and adjust programming as needed.
🆕 Easier onboarding for new directors – No more deciphering past directors’ notes or digging through multiple files—all data is in one place.

“The annual survey is no longer something I lock myself in my office for the last week of October to complete. Now, it’s a team effort!” – Allie Paarsmith, West Liberty Public Library

Driving Better Library Decisions with Data

Libraries using WhoFi have been able to spot trends, justify funding requests, and make data-backed programming decisions.

📊 Track program success & adjust offerings – Seeing lower attendance for adult programs? Try different nights or add Saturday sessions.
📈 Compare year-over-year data – Libraries can now easily compare December attendance to the previous year to measure growth.
💰 Advocate for funding – When applying for grants or requesting budget increases, concrete stats demonstrate impact and need.

“WhoFi’s data helped us secure a $5,000 grant for outdoor space improvements and stronger WiFi. The reports provided the evidence we needed to justify the funding request.” – Orange City Public Library, Lisa Johnson

library data management happy

Eliminating the Hassle of Annual Reports

For many libraries, state annual surveys used to take weeks of library data management. WhoFi has turned this once-dreaded task into a streamlined process, with reports that are automatically formatted for state submissions.

Significant time savings – Librarians noted reporting times cut in half, allowing them to focus on community engagement instead of paperwork.
💡 Accurate statistics for advocacy – WhoFi’s reports help directors confidently present their library’s value to boards, city councils, and stakeholders.

“I was able to finish our report soon after it was open to start.  No more spending hours, days, and weeks putting the information together. ” – Amie Herrick, Mellinger Memorial Library

Making Library Data Work for You

WhoFi is more than just a reporting tool—it’s a game-changer for libraries looking to optimize operations, better serve their communities, and save time on administrative tasks.

🎯 Easier, more accurate data tracking
Time-saving automation for reports
ℹ️ Informed decision-making with real-time insights
💰 Stronger advocacy for funding and community support

Libraries across the country are transitioning from outdated tracking methods to a more streamlined, data-influenced approach—and WhoFi is leading the way.

🚀 Want to see how WhoFi can help utilize the data you collect for decision making and advocacy? Contact us today for a demo and discover how you can take express library impact.  Reach us at marketing@whofi.com or at whofi.com/demo.