Putting Library Assessment Data to Work

Putting Library Assessment Data to Work

<p class="MsoNormal">Effective library assessment is crucial for a successful<BR>academic library. But what do we mean by library assessment and how can it be<BR>used to improve the library service? This book provides a practical guide for<BR>library administrators, managers and practitioners on how to make effective use<BR>of existing sources of information for assessment activities with the aim of<BR>improving academic library services.</p><BR><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Putting Library<BR>Assessment Data to Work</i> brings together key library assessment<BR>methodologies detailing how they can be used to improve an academic library. The<BR>book takes common sources of data that academic libraries will already be<BR>collecting, and presents simple qualitative and quantitative techniques that<BR>can be used to evaluate and assess their services, both in detail and overall.<BR>The different assessment methods are presented from a practical perspective<BR>with a theoretical grounding, and include practical case studies to illustrate<BR>how the methodologies have successfully been applied. </p><BR><p class="MsoNormal">The book includes coverage of:</p><BR><p class="MsoNormal"><BR></p><BR><ul><BR><li>The theoretical framework for assessment, it&#146;s purpose and<BR>the tools and techniques used</li><BR><li>Institutional, national and international student surveys<BR>and how they can be sued to improve library service</li><BR><li>The history and development of standardised library surveys<BR>(eg libQUAL+), how they have been used and their impact</li><BR><li>The benefits of In house library surveys and case studies of<BR>where they gave been used</li><BR><li>Qualitative feedback in the library</li><BR><li>Taking a holistic approach to library assessment through advocacy<BR>and strategic planning.</li><BR></ul><BR><p><BR></p><BR><p class="MsoNormal">This book will be essential reading for library and<BR>information service managers, administrators, assessment practitioners,<BR>educators and policy shapers. It will also be useful for students and<BR>researchers interested in library assessment.</p>