Understanding the Changes in COUNTER 5.1 vs COUNTER 5 Usage data analytics standard

Understanding the Changes in COUNTER 5.1 and Their Impact

The COUNTER Code of Practice is a globally recognized standard that helps libraries, publishers, and institutions track the usage of digital content in a transparent and consistent manner. With the release of COUNTER 5.1, several refinements and new features have been introduced to improve reporting accuracy and better reflect how digital resources are accessed.

In this blog, we’ll break down the major changes in COUNTER 5.1 compared to COUNTER 5, explain them with simple examples, and explore the benefits for both institutions and publishers.

Key Changes in COUNTER 5.1

1. Expanded Data Types for More Detailed Reports

The updated standard includes a broader range of data types, making it easier to track the usage of different kinds of digital content.

Example: Previously, all non-text resources such as videos, podcasts, and interactive content might have been grouped under a generic category. With COUNTER 5.1, these formats can now be tracked separately, helping institutions and publishers understand engagement across different media types.

2. Refined Access Type Definitions

COUNTER 5.1 provides clearer distinctions between different access types, including "Controlled," "Open," and "Free to Read."

Example: Suppose a research paper is freely available for a limited time as part of a promotional campaign. Under the new standard, this would be classified under "Free to Read," differentiating it from permanent open-access content.

3. Better Open Access Usage Reporting

Open Access (OA) content is becoming increasingly important, and COUNTER 5.1 introduces improvements to track its impact more precisely.

Example: An institution can now generate reports that specifically highlight Open Access article usage, helping them assess how freely available research is being accessed compared to subscription-based content.

4. Transition to Item-Level Reporting

While previous COUNTER standards focused on title-level reporting, the new version shifts toward item-level tracking, which provides a more detailed view of content usage.

Example: Instead of just knowing how many times an entire e-book was accessed, institutions can now see which chapters were most read, helping them make better purchasing and collection development decisions.

Emphasis on Item-Level Reporting

COUNTER 5: Usage was often reported at the title level, especially for books, meaning that the total usage of a book was aggregated without detailing interactions with individual chapters or sections.

COUNTER 5.1: There's a shift towards item-level reporting, allowing for more detailed insights. For instance, each chapter download in a book is now counted separately, providing a clearer picture of which parts of the content are most accessed.

Example: If a user downloads three chapters from an eBook:

• In COUNTER 5: This might be recorded as one title request.
• In COUNTER 5.1: It's recorded as three item requests, one for each chapter.

This change offers librarians and publishers a more nuanced understanding of content engagement.

How Institutions Benefit from COUNTER 5.1

• More Accurate Decision-Making – With refined metrics, libraries and institutions can better allocate budgets based on real content engagement.
• Enhanced Understanding of Content Usage – The ability to track different content types separately offers better insights into how digital resources are consumed.
• Improved Open Access Reporting – Institutions can now measure the impact of their Open Access initiatives more effectively.

What Publishers Gain from COUNTER 5.1

• Deeper Insights into User Behavior – More detailed usage reports allow publishers to refine their content offerings and improve engagement strategies.
• Better Representation of Free-to-Read Content – The new standard ensures that freely available content is still counted in usage statistics, addressing concerns about underreporting.
• Stronger Alignment with Industry Standards – Compliance with COUNTER 5.1 demonstrates a commitment to transparency and best practices in scholarly publishing.

Addressing Publisher Concerns About Free-to-Read Content

One concern among publishers is that making content freely available might reduce their reported usage statistics. However, COUNTER 5.1 continues to include Free-to-Read materials in reports, ensuring that such content is not overlooked.

Additionally, as more institutions adopt Open Access policies, having detailed insights into how users engage with free content will help publishers make informed decisions about future publishing strategies.

Final Thoughts

The updates in COUNTER 5.1 represent an important step forward in the way digital content usage is tracked and reported. By improving accuracy, refining access type definitions, and expanding data reporting capabilities, the new standard benefits both institutions and publishers.

As digital access models continue to evolve, embracing COUNTER 5.1 will ensure that organizations remain aligned with best practices, ultimately leading to more informed decisions and a better understanding of how scholarly content is being used.

Would you like any additional refinements or more details on specific aspects of COUNTER 5.1? please get in touch with us @ https://www.datasparklabs.com/contact-us/