The document discusses library assessment and outlines key concepts such as: 1) Library assessment has shifted from evaluating efficiency and inputs/outputs to assessing outcomes and impacts on users. 2) It introduces tools for library assessment like LibQUAL+ which measure user perceptions of service quality. 3) Barriers to effective assessment include a lack of data systems, skills, and leadership support, while factors like staff training and using results for decision-making can help create a culture of assessment.

1. SCC/MLA 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico Library Assessment: From Accountability to Improvement

2. Introduction Instructors Agenda Objectives Attendees Tell us: Name What you do Where you work Complete this sentence: One year from today I will ………….

3. Pre-Test

4. Section 1: Overview

5. Why are we here today? Background Evaluation Assessment outputs about outcomes CHANGE. Impacts Library Assessment inputs It’s

6. Is it evaluation or is it assessment?

7. Program Evaluation Efficiency Effectiveness Accountability Inputs Outputs Outcomes Impact Is this Library Assessment? How do you measure your library’s success? Is it circulation numbers? Is it the number of patrons? The number of searches of your electronic databases? – Stranton Lloyd

8. Outcomes Evaluation and Outcomes Assessment Question has changed From What have we done to accomplish our goals To What has changed as a result of our work

9. Library Assessment “ Old” Measures Program Evaluation Efficiency Accountability Statistics, numbers, data “ New” Measures Quality (e.g., service) Learner Performance Improvements in Student Learning “ Regardless of the specific strategy selected by the institution, assessment strategies and methods should be adapted to the unique context of the institution to produce multiple indices of quality and effectiveness….” – Hernon and Dugan, 2004

10. “ Library assessment” is…. Definitions Perspectives Experts

11. Why should we care about assessment? Mouse cages Ejournals

12. A Check :-/ confused >:/ bring it on

13. Break

14. Section II: Library Assessment in Higher Education Primary performance indicator Differences among inputs, outputs, and outcomes

15. Activity 1

16. Student Learning Outcomes and Technology

17. Outcomes Assessment and Service Quality Assessing Organizations Assessment Tools LibQUAL+

18. LibQUAL+ ™ The LibQUAL+™ Premise What is service quality? Definition: difference between what customers expect and their perceptions of the service performance.

19. Bar Charts

20. 2007 Core Questions Dimensions Summary Affect of Service Dimension Information Control Library as Place 4 5 6 7 8 9 Mean Overall

21. Quantitative and Qualitative Elements LibQUAL+ ™ Comments Content Analysis and Atlas.ti Data file,Descriptive Statistics,Reliability, and SPSS

23. A Tool “ LibQUAL+ ™ is ‘another tool in the box’…it complements other information you have about service performance and quality” (Hiller) Note: After the Radar Chart , Steve Hiller, 2002.

24. Collecting statistics begins the road trip.

25. Defusing Statistics

26. Developing an Assessment Plan Assessment Plan Columbia University Libraries 2007 through 2009

27. The Assessment Cycle Mission/Purposes and Objectives Repeat the assessment cycle after changes have been implemented. Source: Hernon and Dugan, 2004 Interpret Evidence Implement Change Identify Outcomes Gather Evidence

28. Obstacles to Assessment No single model How do AHSL’s show impact? Improved healthcare, reduced costs, increased access to health information? Lack of adequate data-gathering systems Hard to compare results from disparate data sources Lack of staff skills No support from library leadership

29. The Value of Information How do you quantify the value of information? What is the return on investment (ROI)? Worth Their Weight

30. Successful Assessment Staff training Technical support and systems Focus on processes/services, not individuals Select the appropriate measures Realistic scope and schedules Senior leadership support Results are used in decision-making

31. A Culture of Assessment Decision based on facts, research, and analysis Staff are informed about results Change occurs based on results

32. Pulling it Together The 21 st Century Library is very different! User-centered libraries Outcomes assessment is complex Evaluation and assessment focus on user/customer outcomes Assessment Toolbox

34. Do you have a culture of assessment?

36. Resources Our Ning

37. By the end of this session you will be able to: Define “culture of assessment” Provide an example of an input, output, impact, and outcome Explain how assessment differs from evaluation List two examples of student learning objectives List two tools useful in library assessment Describe two obstacles to assessment List two elements to include in an assessment plan Be able to access the 2007 SCC/MLA CE Course Ning

39. “ The information acquired through library assessment is used in an iterative manner to improve library programs and services and make libraries responsive to the needs of their communities.” – Steve Hiller “… accountability has shifted from ‘are we spending our money efficiently and wisely’ to ‘what difference does the library make?’” – Steve Hiller Photo source: Charlotte Self

40. Thank you. Other resources URL for Ning: http://libassess.ning.com/ Class Evaluation Survey