Primary tabs
You don't need to be an ALA Member to purchase from the ALA Store, but you'll be asked to create an online account/profile during the checkout to proceed. This Web Account is for both Members and non-Members. Note that your ALA Member discount will be applied at the final step of the checkout process.
If you are Tax-Exempt, please verify that your account is currently set up as exempt before placing your order, as our new fulfillment center will need current documentation. Learn how to verify here.
- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the authors
- Reviews
Read a blog post by one of the authors now!
Effective library assessment is crucial for a successful academic library. But what do we mean by library assessment and how can it be used to improve the library service? This new book provides a practical guide for library administrators, managers and practitioners on how to make effective use of existing sources of information for assessment activities with the aim of improving academic library services.
Putting Library Assessment Data to Work brings together key library assessment methodologies detailing how they can be used to improve an academic Library. The book takes common sources of data that academic libraries will already be collecting, and presents simple qualitative and quantitative techniques that can be used to evaluate and assess their services, both in detail and overall. The different assessment methods are presented from a practical perspective with a theoretical grounding, and include practical case studies to illustrate how the methodologies have successfully been applied. The book includes coverage of
- the theoretical framework for assessment, it’s purpose and the tools and techniques used;
- institutional, national and international student surveys and how they can be used to improve library service;
- the history and development of standardized library surveys (eg LibQUAL+®), how they have been used and their impact;
- the benefits of In house library surveys and case studies of where they gave been used;
- qualitative feedback in the library; and
- taking a holistic approach to library assessment through advocacy and strategic planning.
1. Introduction to Library Assessment
2. Institutional measures of student satisfaction
3. LibQUAL+ and other standardised library surveys
4. In-house library surveys
5. Library statistics
6. Qualitative feedback
7. Emerging techniques
8. More than measuring: using assessment holistically
9. Conclusion: assessment is for every academic library
"Solid, usable advice about planning and participating in assessment activities within academic libraries. In reassuring language, [the authors] take the mystery out of assessment and provide tangible guidance for those hesitant to begin."
— CHOICE
"A real strength of this book is that it covers a wide spectrum of assessment abilities. Not only does this book provide clear techniques and strategies for library assessment beginners but it also offers strategies for those who want to dive deeper into assessment ... The case studies are extremely informative and leave readers with practical, tangible skills."
— Technical Services Quarterly