“The Heads of Library and Learning Resources in Ontario Canada are considering existing and developing library assessment options.
We would like to know more about the wonderful things being done in libraries to support assessment including evaluation, improvement, and communicating the value of libraries to stakeholders.
We invite you to participate in this survey and to contribute a story from your library.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. We hope the results of this survey will be valuable to this community.
TRAILS (Tool for Real-time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills) provides free assessments on information literacy based on 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th grade standards! TRAILS was designed with librarians and teachers in mind – the multiple-choice assessment helps identify students’ strengths and weaknesses regarding information literacy. The program is free, all you have to do is set up an account. For more information, visit the site.
Image by AJC1. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Frankie Rendon from the University of Illinois, Chicago posted an article with Teach Thought about the unprecedented change that is occurring across all library types in the United States. At the helm is technology and access to both print and “e” resources. The evolution of libraries is seen through the transformation of services and its impact on librarians working to meet the demands of patrons/users. Rendon believes that libraries are vital stating, “Today, librarians are more valuable than ever before due to their vast knowledge, expertise, community relations skills, and passion for imparting knowledge; all social literacies are as important now as ever.” Many librarians accomplish this by offering training, being stewards of resources, community advocates and spokespersons for literacy. Click here to read the full article, The Changing Landscape For Libraries & Librarians In The Digital Age (November 2013.)
Demonstrating competencies is one part of the equation; articulating relevancy is the other. Last week, Dean Vargas from the St. Cloud State University Learning Resources Services Library (Miller Center) invited CMLE staff and area academic librarians to participate in a day-long assessment workshop. Meagan Oakleaf, a national expert on assessment, facilitated each session. It served as a reminder that across library types, departments, and disciplines the importance of understanding the role of the library in the larger construct, in this case of an academic institution. And, faculty and staff are equally tasked with demonstrating the value added to the library by the services they provide. How can libraries/librarians demonstrate impact? Relevancy is the most powerful when impacts can be reasonably qualified or quantified. According to Oakleaf, this is accomplished when the needs and goals of an institution/library intersect the services, resources and expertise offered by the librarians and respective staff. Assessment evaluates these points of intersections and can be an influential tool in the decision making process.
Interesting in initiating or continuing assessment at your library? ProQuest, Springer, Library Journal and ER&L are sponsoring a series of three webcasts that can help-click here to learn more. Also, for additional information, below are a few books and journals (academic focused) that were identified at the workshop you may find helpful;
Books
Evaluating the Impact of Your Library (2012) by Sharon Markless, David Streatfield
Library Assessment in Higher Education (2007) by Joseph R. Matthews
Evaluation and Measurement of Library Services (2007) by Joseph R. Matthews
Journals
Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2006, 1:4 by John Eldridge
Higher Education Outcomes Assessment for the 21st Century (2013) by Peter Hernon (link)
