I really appreciate all the feedback on this issue. While I need to do more
investigation on the true working of DNT, I can say that I've seen varying
library issued laptops and computer labs' using images set with different Do
Not Track settings for different browsers and seeing corresponding GA data
(well I think!). I'm wondering if it is possible not to use Google and employ
something else and then scrub the incoming data (lose IP...) and continue to
follow user so we're not really tracking an individual but still gathering
data. For now, I'm looking at using PiiWik with Google Analytics and writing a
clear privacy statement for our users. Hope to improve. --Sharon
-Original Message-
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:CODE4LIB@LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of
Karlsen, Jeffrey
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2015 5:06 PM
To: CODE4LIB@LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Recommendations for analytics software?
It's my understanding that browsers' "do not track" flag does not actually
affect Google Analytics in its ordinary usage... which would be
counterintuitive but that’s what I'm gleaning from discussions such as
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=858839
Though I could me misreading things.
If a user has activated the GAnalytics opt-out plugin, that would of course
have an impact, but how many folks do that?
--
Jeff Karlsen
Librarian & Library Department Chair
Sacramento City College
916-558-2583
www.scc.losrios.edu/library
-Original Message-
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:CODE4LIB@LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Esmé
Cowles
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2015 6:31 AM
To: CODE4LIB@LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Recommendations for analytics software?
I just wanted to chime in to say that this sounds a lot like "tell me how to
track the users who have asked us not to track them?".
IMHO, the way to avoid this is to use different kinds of tools for different
kinds of analysis. Static log analysis generally doesn't treat users as
individuals and provides good usage info (number of pages/requests, browsers,
operating systems, etc.). If your usage numbers from Google Analytics have
suffered because of Do Not Track, then comparing current usage data to previous
usage data will probably allow you to show a more reliable measure of aggregate
traffic.
Tools like GA and Piwik that use Javascript to capture user sessions, events
that don't trigger a server request, etc. seem very complementary: they can
give you more insight into how people are using your site. Usability testing
is the same idea taken further, and I highly recommend it as a way to really
understand your users better.
I'm afraid this is exactly the opposite of what you asked for (one-stop-shop
analytics), but I think it's the way to get the info you need while respecting
your users.
-Esme
> On Sep 25, 2015, at 3:58 PM, Shafer, Sharon <ssha...@library.ucla.edu> wrote:
>
> Sorry for duplication. I also asked web4lib.
> I've noticed a major decrease in my Google Analytics data because of tracking> so I'm looking at other web analytics tools. We run the Google
> Analytics module on a Drupal site. I'm curious what other libraries are doing
> to capture web site user behavior. Additional GA modules? Combination of
> tagging and log analysis via a vendor system? Perhaps, using a CRM like
> SalesForce? I did get a recommendation about Piwik so I'm off to investigate.
>
> I'm trying to address the issue, but I'm also contemplating the
> pie-in-the-sky analytics wish list. Is there something that provides an
> archived, comprehensive, one-stop-shopping data source for all the web site
> user behavior that is accessible by all Library staff and can be used to
> easily generate data visualization reports for analysis, ROI reports, and
> making data driven decisions regarding the web site. Perhaps, mixed with
> system performance reports and alerts for monitoring how systems are
> performing. Is there something that makes it easy to upload or access
> enterprise data where the user is guided through statistical analytics and or
> visualization? Maybe there is a method of obtaining and archiving and
> strategically scrubbing that ensures user privacy that adheres to ALA's
> Library Bill of Rights and Core Values of Librarianship?
>
> Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
> --Sharon
