Home Assessment of Academic Library Effectiveness

Assessment of Academic Library Effectiveness: Using ACRL Standards for Continuous Evaluation

Friday, June 27, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Anaheim, California

This full-day preconference will introduce the ACRL Standards for Libraries in Higher Education as a framework for assessing all academic libraries.  Discover how to use commonly-collected information: statistics for internal and peer comparison of inputs and outputs, as well as user satisfaction and service quality data for evaluating the academic library.

The preconference presenters will explain and demonstrate how to incorporate performance indicators and outcomes assessment measures for assessing the impact of librarians and libraries on student learning. The preconference will introduce and review an ACRL workbook as a tool for understanding the assessment process. The goal is to assist you as you begin an evaluation process for your own library using forms, worksheets, checklists, and practical examples as a guide.

A hands-own activity session will involve all attendees in a small group learning exercise to apply some of the principles introduced at the preconference.

Learning outcomes:
1. Understand the principles and background of the Standards for Libraries in Higher Education.
2. Understand why the use of outcomes is necessary to substantiate library effectiveness in the current higher education accreditation process.
3. Learn how to develop outcomes and approaches for incorporating outcomes assessment into academic library assessment.
4. Use the workbook to: (a) Select appropriate evaluation methods and techniques for attendee’s own library, and (b) Begin applying the methods by use of the guides and worksheets.

Type of audience: Librarians in all sizes of academic libraries, both public and private will benefit from this program. The workshop will be applicable to technical institute, community college, college, and university libraries.

Presenters: Robert W. Fernekes, Information Services Librarian (Business Information Specialist), Georgia Southern University; William N. Nelson, Library Director, Augusta State University

Registration: ACRL member - $235; ALA member - $295; Nonmember - $325; Student - $95.  Registration is now open.  Visit the ALA Annual Conference Registration Page for complete details.  May 16, 2008, is the advance registration deadline.

Questions?  Contact Margot Conahan at msutton@ala.org, 312-280-2522.