The document discusses evaluating school library media programs. It defines evaluation and discusses its purposes, including improving effectiveness, determining needs, and demonstrating value. The summary discusses formal vs informal evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and developing goals, objectives and recommendations from evaluation findings to strengthen programs.

1. Evaluate ! Evaluating School Media Services LIB 620 Library Management Fall 2009

2. Preemptive Action : The busy librarian’s guide to program evaluation Based in part on: A workshop developed by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Professional Development Committee ( No longer available online) indicates the slide was originally from the above presentation

3. Evaluate ? What do we mean by evaluate? verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. to determine or set the value or amount of; appraise: to evaluate property . to judge or determine the significance, worth, or quality of; assess: to evaluate the results of an experiment . Mathematics . to ascertain the numerical value of (a function, relation, etc.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

4. What is evaluation? [ 1 ] As defined by the American Evaluation Association : evaluation involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products, and organizations to improve their effectiveness. Evaluation is the systematic collection and analysis of data needed to make decisions Evaluation Definition: What is Evaluation?

5. What about school library media center evaluation? Evaluation of school library media centers: When you examine something or someone, you examine the subject and make a judgment about the quality, significance, or condition of whatever is to be evaluated. Emanuel T. Prostano and Joyce S. Prostano, The School Library Media Center 5 th ed. (Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1999), 44.

6. Purposes of evaluation To find out what is right To find out what is wrong Summary of definition in Blanche Woolls, The School Library Media Manager 2 nd ed. (Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 1999).

7. What can you evaluate? Everything! Collection Personnel Library Layout Programs Curriculum collaboration Reference service/collection: Interview skills Quality of the answers provided Satisfaction of your patrons Students or teachers—or other school staff

8. What should you evaluate? That depends . . . On your priorities On your economic needs and situation On the policies and procedures established by your school, school district and/or state On how much time you have left over from your other duties to devote to planning and executing an evaluation project

9. Why evaluate? Because you have to Continuous assessment of services can be an ongoing requirement for accreditation/funding, etc. Because you want to You want to find out how well you’re doing You want to find out how well others think you’re doing You want to find ways to improve your service

10. Why Evaluate? Schools are being evaluated by student academic achievement in reading, writing and math. Recent studies show student achievement correlates positively with effective school library programs.

11. Why Evaluate? Studies show the positive correlation with student achievement occurs when there is an effective school library program [and]: School librarians are full time and Librarians collaborate with teachers on instructional planning.

12. Why Evaluate? Studies also show an effective school library program includes the following attributes: Quality collections; Increased hours of access beyond school day; Professional development for teachers and librarians; Student access to technology; and Collaboration with other types of libraries.

13. Why Evaluate? Because. . . To improve, the librarian must have baseline data about the program. To be relevant, the librarian must know if the library services and resources are aligned with the school’s goals for student achievement. To build a case for better support, the librarian needs data that demonstrates the value of the program.

14. An evaluation enables you to: Determine success in attaining program goals. Determine students’ and teachers’ needs so they can be incorporated into the program. Provide a basis for resource allocation. Recognize strengths and accomplishments. Examine the impact of the program on student learning. What Can an Evaluation Do? Nancy Everhart, Evaluating the School Library Media Center , 1998)

15. It makes sense— Focus data collecting and evaluation on those components of a school library program that the research shows correlate with student achievement.

16. Types of Evaluation Formal Informal External Internal Formative During a program Summative After the program is completed

17. Evaluation requires standards How do you know if the media center is “good”/ “not good” or even “good enough”? “ Good enough” for what? For whom? Guidelines or rubrics or objectives for collections, performance can be found in: Beyond Proficiency: Achieving a Distinguished Library Media Program . Kentucky Department of Education. August 2001 Administering the Library Media Program The library media specialist: Evaluates the Library Media Program through regular surveys for the purpose of enhancing services

18. Types of Data Quantitative Qualitative Number of OPAC searches Size of collection Number of lessons planned with teachers Students’ success rate in locating appropriate resources in OPAC searches Collection supports the curriculum Comprehensive and collaborative planning is in place

19. Standards require interpretation Quantitative: relatively easy Library Media Staffing ( Beyond Proficiency ) ENROLLMENT PROFICIENT DISTINGUISHED * ** * ** Under 200 1 0 1 .5 200 - 500 1 .5 1 1 501 - 800 1 1 1 1.5 801 - 1200 1 1.5 1.5 1.5 1201 - 1600 1.5 1.5 2 2 1601 - 2000 2 2 2 2 2001 and Up 2.5 2 3 2 * Certified Library Media Specialist **Library Clerk - Classified

20. Standards require interpretation Qualitative: more difficult Program Evaluation Rubric, “ Beyond Proficiency ,” pp. 20-26. Standard 2: “ The Library Media Program promotes and supports student learning and achievement through its policies, programs and collection.” Distinguished: “ Students are empowered to use the media center to access information and reading for pleasure.”

21. Interpretation means operationalization Operationalize: To define a concept in a way that can be measured. In evaluation research, to translate program inputs, outputs, objectives, and goals into specific measurable variables. Program Evaluation Glossary http://www.epa.gov/evaluate/glossary/o-esd.htm

22. Interpretation means creating goals and objectives The purpose and study goals should determine the types of methods and measures you use to conduct the evaluation Objectives will define your standard of excellence--the minimum level of appropriate service for your particular clientele Jo Bell Whitlach, Evaluating Reference Services

23. Methods of Evaluation Obtrusive People are aware of the evaluation Self-evaluation Surveys Observation Unobtrusive People are unaware of the evaluation Unobtrusive measures of physical facilities Use of proxies—“mystery patrons”

24. Obtrusive reference evaluations in a school library context Questionnaires or interviews of students or teachers Numbers gathering: Reference question counts Numbers/types of reference books used Circulation statistics Observation By external observer Self-observation: Journal

25. For example. . . Research finding: Students whose school librarian plays an instructional role tend to achieve higher than average test scores. This is also dependent on collaboration between school librarians and teachers and the inclusion of the library materials in the curriculum.

26. Evaluation Model Define the question. Collect data--determine needed data and method of collection. Analyze the data. Formulate recommendations. Develop an action plan.

27. Research Finding Students whose school librarian plays an instructional role tend to achieve higher than average scores. What data are needed to determine whether or not the school librarian plays an instructional role in the school? The Question Evaluation Model Step 1. Define the Question

28. Look at the rubric Beyond Proficiency : 3. The Library Media program supports collaborative planning with the staff for the enhancement of instruction and support of student achievement. Distinguished: The LMS teams with teachers in the formal planning of student-centered authentic learning and project-based teaching and is a teaching partner.

29. According to Information Power-- Instructional role is determined by: Collaboration between school librarians and teachers that results in the inclusion of library materials in the curriculum.

30. According to Information Power-- Information literacy standards Collaborative planning Effective teaching Differentiated learning options Inquiry Assessment Student Engagement Instructional role is defined by:

31. According to Empowering Learners Guideline 1: The school library media program promotes collaboration among members of the learning community and encourages learners to be independent, lifelong users and producers of information.

32. Guideline 3: The school library media program provides instruction that addresses multiple literacies, including information literacy, media literacy, visual literacy, and technology literacy. According to Empowering Learners

33. Evaluation Model Step 2. Collect data Determine the type needed. Quantitative/Qualitative Determine the method of collection. Existing statistic Survey, questionnaire, focus group, observation

34. One method to collect data-- Use Information Power’s Teaching and Learning Rubric as a questionnaire. Administer it to School Library staff, Administrative staff, Teaching staff. Summarize each group; determine where perceptions differ and agree.

35. Data collected from the Teaching and Learning Rubric are qualitative-- When completing the questionnaire-- School librarian & principal:  EXEMPLARY! Math teacher: 0 NOTHING! Example: Principal puts librarian on weekly faculty meeting agenda to encourage library use and promote curriculum-oriented library materials. Math teacher does not see an easy connect and tunes out.

36. Evaluation Model Step 3. Analyze the data Identify areas of agreement and disagreement among groups. Identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement. Identify areas where more data is needed. How can the data be analyzed to determine whether or not the librarian plays an effective instructional role in the school?

37. Agreement Example-- Target Indicator: Information Literacy Standards are integrated into content learning . Library Staff Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary Administrative Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary Teaching Staff Response 12% Basic 88% Proficient ____ Exemplary

38. Disagreement Example-- Target Indicator: Curriculum development is modeled and promoted. Library Staff Response 100% Basic _____ Proficient ____ Exemplary Administrative Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary Teaching Staff Response 82% Basic 18% Proficient ____ Exemplary

39. Strength Area Example-- Target Indicator: Collaborative planning is modeled and promoted. Library Staff Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary Administrative Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary Teaching Staff Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary

40. Weakness Area Example-- Target Indicator: Students are engaged in reading, writing, speaking, viewing & listening for enjoyment, enrichment, & understanding. Library Staff Response ____Basic 100% Proficient ____ Exemplary Administrative Response 100% Basic ____ Proficient ____ Exemplary Teaching Staff Response 82% Basic 18% Proficient ____ Exemplary

41. Contradictory Data Example— Target Indicator:Effective teaching modeled & promoted. Library Basic ____ Prof. 100% Exemplary Admin. ____ Basic ____ Prof. 100% Exemplary Teacher Basic 60% Prof. 40% Exemplary Target Indicator: Student achievement is assessed. Library 100% Basic Prof. Exemplary Admin. 100% Basic ____ Prof. Exemplary Teacher 90% Basic 10% Prof. Exemplary

42. Back to Step 2 Collecting More Data – Focus Groups How are student products and performances assessed in units involving use of the library? How do you determine the products and performances to demonstrate mastery of content in units involving use of the library? What is the role of reflection in student work involving use of the library?

43. Evaluation Model Step 4. Formulate recommendations Review the data, formulate recommendations. For example: Because of the strong correlation between the school librarian’s instructional role and student achievement, the Advisory Committee establishes a three year goal of reaching the Exemplary level in all target indicators in the Teaching and Learning Rubric Role of an Advisory Committee of stakeholders—

44. Example: Recommendations for First Year Review the Standards for the 21 st Century Learner to ensure they align with content standards and set student expectations for analysis, evaluation and inquiry. Meet with teaching teams to solicit recommended revisions. Convene a workshop for new teachers to review the standards. Standards for the 21 st Century Learner Adapted from

45. Example: Recommendations for First Year Collaborative Planning Establish regular common planning time for teachers with the library media staff. Curriculum Development Review school policies to remove any barriers that prevent librarians from participating in building and district curriculum sessions.

46. Example: Recommendations for First Year Reading, Writing, Speaking, Viewing Provide a series of author workshops and develop plans with teachers for student reading, writing, speaking, and viewing responses to the author workshops. Involve Parents. Effective Teaching Clarify conflicting feedback through focus groups targeting use of assessment, differentiation, & inquiry in instruction. Develop recommendations based on new data.

47. Evaluation Model Step 5 . Develop an action plan Library staff develop an action plan for each recommendation. The Advisory Committee of Stakeholders reviews and approves the action plans.

48. Action Plan Example: Target Indicator: Curriculum development is modeled and promoted Objective Activity Documentation Participants New Resources Completion Date Review barriers preventing librarians from participating in curriculum sessions. Review policies School Council minutes School Council & admin. None projected Sept. 1 Secure schedule Post schedule in lib. & faculty rm. Principal None Sept. 10 Participate in mtgs. Meeting minutes Librarians None projected June 1 Report back Faculty mtg. minutes Librarians None Monthly Written material In professional library Librarians None Within 5 days of mtg

49. This example of an evaluation was… Type (which one?) Formal Internal Formative Data collection methods: Research Rubric-based questionnaire Focus Group Data type: Quantitative Qualitative

50. Unobtrusive evaluation in schools 1 Unobtrusive measures of physical facilities “ The basic premise . . . is that you can learn a great deal . . . by looking at how things wear (‘erosion’), how things are left in the building (‘traces’) and how things are rearranged (‘adaptations for use’).” Nancy Everhart, Evaluating the School Library Media Center : Analysis Techniques and Research Practices. Libraries Unlimited, 1998 .

51. Unobtrusive evaluation in schools 2 Use of proxies—“mystery patrons” Technique used more often in academic libraries and government documents reference services Half-right reference: the 55% rule 5-minute rule Peter Hernon and Charles R. McClure, “ Unobtrusive Reference Testing: The 55 Percent Rule ” Library Journal April 15, 1986, 37-41. “ It’s not true, and now we know why . . . the so-called “55% rule” has never been tested against a truly representative field sample.” John V. Richardson, Jr., “ Reference Is Better Than We Thought ,” Library Journal April 15, 2002, 41-42.

52. Importance of a sophisticated model Richardson: “ The reference service performance model [that led to the 55% rule] was overly simplistic, samples were way too small, and the test questions were not representative of real-world reference questions.” “ Students of reference service should learn about the existence of multiple performance outcomes (i.e., accuracy, utility, and satisfaction) and to recognize that each outcome is driven by different factors.” “ Reference Is Better Than We Thought .”

53. Characteristics of good models Measures of reference service must be Valid They “accurately reflect the concept being studied.” Reliable They “are stable and dependable, and provide consistent results with each repeated use.” Practical They “require that data be relatively easy to collect.” Useful They “provide information that can be used to improve reference services.” Whitlach, Evaluating Reference Services .

54. Problems of Evaluation in School Context Often the school library media specialist is the only one working in the library An evaluation project can be time-consuming to plan and to put into action

55. Solutions to evaluation problems Depends on your local situation Your resources: Time, money, available warm bodies You and your creativity Make evaluation part of your routine As you plan/prepare your program(s), include an evaluation component Appropriate, affordable, accessible, accountable