Understanding what your patrons are searching for is one of the most powerful ways to shape a library collection. In Apollo, the Searches and Reports report provides exactly that insight by showing the text patrons typed into the online catalog, how many times each search occurred, and how many results were returned.

This report effectively gives librarians a window into the real questions and interests of their community.

Each entry includes:

• Search Text – The exact words patrons typed into the catalog search bar
• Search Count – How many times that search was performed
• Result Count – How many catalog records were returned for that search

One of the most valuable aspects of this report is that it includes searches that returned zero results.

Finding the Gaps in Your Collection

Zero-result searches are often the most revealing. When patrons repeatedly search for something and receive no results, it can highlight:

• Titles your patrons expect the library to have
• Emerging topics of interest
• Local or regional subjects not yet represented in the catalog
• Authors or series gaining popularity

Instead of guessing what to purchase next, the Searches and Reports report shows you exactly what your patrons are looking for.

Turning Search Data into Smarter Collection Decisions

Libraries often rely on circulation statistics and bestseller lists to guide purchasing decisions. While those tools are valuable, they only show what patrons are already checking out.

Search data reveals something different: what patrons are trying to find but may not yet have access to.

By reviewing this report regularly, librarians can:

• Identify high-demand search terms
• Detect collection gaps
• Improve subject coverage
• Add titles patrons are actively seeking

Improving Catalog Discovery

The report can also reveal opportunities to improve catalog discoverability. For example, if a search returns few results but relevant items exist in the collection, it may indicate that:

• Subject headings could be expanded
• Additional keywords could be added to records
• Alternate spellings or common search phrases should be considered

In this way, the Searches and Reports report supports both collection development and catalog improvement.

Let Your Patrons Guide the Collection

Every search performed in your catalog is a small signal about what your community wants to read, watch, or learn about. The Searches and Reports report gathers those signals into a clear, actionable view.

Instead of guessing what patrons want, libraries can simply listen to what their searches are already telling them.