====== Features ======


===== Feature list =====

  * A cloud (hosted) service.  No server hardware/software, technical knowledge or IT support staff are required.  Libraries with the requisite technical skill may also download & run ReadingRecord on their own server.
  * Participants can register online, reducing staff time.
  * The library can allow patrons to register before the program starts, alleviating some of the "first day" rush.
  * An online system reduces the number of duplicate registrations, giving staff a more accurate count of program participation.
  * Tracks the number of levels each participant has completed:
     * Tracks any number of levels & prizes.
     * Use to provide statistics to the state library.
     * Use to order prizes for the next year.
     * Use to track participants who registered but never completed a level.
  * Field labels can be customized.
  * Field order can be customized.
  * Simultaneous access for patrons, staff & volunteers using a web browser.
  * "Random drawing" feature allows staff to pick random participants for bonus prizes.
  * Data can be exported to CSV files for import into spreadsheet applications like MS Excel & Open Office.

===== Information collected =====

The database contains the following information about each participant:

  * A unique participant ID, similar to a library barcode.  Used primarily when updating a record.
  * The date the record was added to the database.
  * The date the record was last updated.
  * The IP address of the computer used to register the participant.
  * The participant's first & last names.
  * The participant's phone number.
  * The participant's e-mail address.
  * The participant's library barcode.
  * The participant's age.
  * The participant's birthdate.
  * The participant's gender.
  * The participant's grade.
  * The participant's school.
  * The participant's city.
  * The participant's zipcode.
  * The participant's home library.
  * The date the participant's registration was validated by library staff.  This normally involves double-checking the fields above & handing the patron an informational packet / reading record.
  * The guardian's name.
  * The guardian's phone number.
  * The guardian's e-mail address.
  * The guardian's library barcode.
  * An "I give the library permission to collect this information" checkbox.

<note>
NOTE: Most fields above are **optional**.  During initial configuration, the library can choose which field(s) to use.
</note>

Additionally, the database contains the following information about each completed reading record:

  * The ID of the participant who completed the record.
  * The level completed.
  * The date the level was completed.

<note>
NOTE: The "level" field can be re-labeled and used to track a different program style.  Some examples include:

  * Level
  * Book
  * Pages
  * Hours read
</note>

===== Statistical reports =====

The following statistical reports are currently available, most include sub-totals by library branch & and system-wide total:

  * Count of all readers.
  * Count of all completed levels (records).
  * List of all registered readers.
  * Count of validated & unvalidated readers by library.
  * Count of readers by library.
  * Count of readers by age.
  * Count of readers by city.
  * Count of readers by zipcode.
  * Count of readers by grade.
  * Count of readers by school.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by library.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by level and library.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by age.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by city.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by zipcode.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by grade.
  * Count of completed levels (records) by school.

For the status of additional reports, see the [[info:project_status#reports|project status]] page.