UALC 2009 Retreat
Incorporating Outcomes into Library Measurement and Assessment

Dr. Julie Beth Todaro
jtodaro, Inc.
Julie.Todaro@yahoo.com

Traditionally libraries have used a wide variety of methods to track, measure and assess use of their resources and services. Although the concept of measuring the outcome of a program or service is not new in the profit and non-profit business world, measuring outcomes or desired and actual impact of programs and services is becoming the norm and – by many umbrella organizations and granting agencies – required in all types of library environments and especially in higher education and academic libraries.

Through a combination of lecture, individual and small group exercises, participants will:

• Understand the language of outcomes;
• Be familiar with the application of outcomes measurement in library settings;
• Be familiar with the application of outcomes measurement in academic library settings;
• Be familiar with the appropriate process of using and integrating outcomes measurement into library programs and services (with focus on information literacy, reference services);
• Design preliminary outcomes for a library program or service;
• Identify appropriate data collection and measurement for program or service outcomes; and,
• Identify avenues for using outcomes results for planning and justifying existence, expansion and organization or reorganization of library programs, services and funding.