In answering the question "What is the next trend in usage statistics in libraries?" an eclectic group of respondents has presented an assortment of possibilities, suggestions, complaints and, of course, questions of their own. Undoubtedly, usage statistics collection, interpretation, and application are areas of growth and increasing complexity…

Demonstrates that conclusions drawn from statistics concerning racial disparities in income, infant mortality, sports participation, and other areas may be partly or wholly wrong, because disparities generally increase as conditions improve. Observes that flawed uses of statistics abound; points out some common errors in interpretation. (DM)

Data collection and analysis are frequently neglected by school leaders over the course of the decision-making process. All schools gather large amounts of information about students and teachers, but most data are used to satisfy administrative requirements rather than evaluate school improvement in a systematic fashion. Apprehension regarding…