chalkDUST FAQ
About chalkDUST | Getting Stats | Understanding
Stats | Troubleshooting
About chalkDUST
Q: What is chalkDUST?
A: chalkDUST is a Database Usage Statistics Tool that provides one-stop access for Texas K-12 public schools
participating in the K-12 Database Program to access their campus usage statistics. By providing a statewide repository for K-12 usage
stats, campuses and districts across the state can be sure that they're measuring their database usage using the exact same parameters.
Q: What statistics are available?
A: Each participating campus is able to download monthly statistics showing the number of SESSIONS, SEARCHES, and FULL-TEXT DOCUMENTS
retrieved from each of the 40+ Ebsco databases available.
Q: Can I retrieve usage stats for my Ebsco use prior to September 2007?
A: No. The chalkDUST application will only retrieve stats as far back to the beginning of the current statewide Ebsco contract.
Q: Can usage statistics be downloaded on the school district level?
A: Coming soon!
Q: Can I get my Britannica Online usage statistics through chalkDUST?
A: The statewide Britannica Online contract begins on December 1st. The December usage stats for Britannica Online will be available in
January. Access to the Britannica Online Trial account is not counted, and will not count toward your campus' usage statistics.
Getting Stats
Q: What will I need to retrieve my usage statistics?
A: You'll need
1) This URL: www.texshare.edu/k12/stats/
2) Your 9-digit TEA ID number
3) A spreadsheet program such as Excel, able to read comma-delimited files.
4) This free MS Excel Reader --
however functionality is limited.
Q: What if I don't know my 9-digit TEA-ID number?
A: A downloadable spreadsheet is available for you to look up this information. This is a 900K file.
Q: Comma-delimited files? What's that?
A: Comma-delimited (csv) files are plain text files that can be opened by almost any computer with either a spreadsheet application or a
text editor. Unlike an web-page-viewable report, these files permit easy for sorting and formatting to meet your needs.
Understanding Stats
Q: What are SESSIONS, SEARCHES, and FULL-TEXT DOCUMENTS?
A: SESSIONS refers to the number of times a particular database is accessed. SEARCHES shows the number of times a user types a search term
into that database. FULL-TEXT DOCUMENTS is the number of search results that are selected and viewed.
Q: How do I view stats for a particular month or for a particular database? How do I derive subtotals and totals?
A: The chalkDUST application provides you with information in spreadsheet format to permit maximum flexibility for your needs. Use
the "SORT" or "FILTER" functions on your spreadsheet application to view customized reports. The flexibility of these reports is only
limited by your creativity with Microsoft Excel (or your favorite spreadsheet application).
Troubleshooting
Q: Why is my campus stats report showing up empty?
A: Some school districts distribute a single login and password for all the campuses in the district. In this situation, campus-level
statistics are not available, only district-level. If you have questions, check with your district database coordinator or contact K12Help@esc20.net.
Please note: if your campus has been accessing EBSCO or Britannica Online through the temporary, statewide TRIAL accounts, your usage
stats are not being counted.
Q: Why can't I get my stats from Ebsco using the "texshare/Stats06" login?
A: If you previously retrieved campus stats from Ebsco using the "texshare/Stats06" login and selecting
your campus from a drop-down box, please note that this resource is no longer available. (That service provided stats for last year's
"TexShare K-12" subscribers. This year's "Texas K-12 Database Program" is a brand new set of accounts.)
Q: Can I get day-by-day stats? Or mid-month statistical reports?
A: If chalkDUST does not meet your needs, you may contact EBSCO customer support and request an administrative login and password to run
reports using their online EADMIN application.
