Gathering data to report on participants: Library example

The Riverton (Kentucky) Memoirs program will serve participants to improve their writing and demonstrate they feel themselves to be a part of a community of writers.

Which of the following characteristics of the program's participants (members of the target audience) do you think are important to track for reporting?

Marital status and number of children of participant

No, this data is not relevant to the writing behavior and achievements of participants.

Age of participants

Yes, the program was designed for adults and was scheduled so that all adults could attend, whether they were working or retired.

Residence

Yes, since funding is provided by Kentucky but Riverton borders on Indiana, the number and percentage of non-Kentuckians taking the course is relevant.

Number of books sold by each participant

No, publication costs are included in grant funds. Sales may be interesting, but how many each participant has contributed to selling is not relevant.

Number and % of participants who attend most meetings

Yes, this data shows whether participants find the group interesting and helpful.