Putting Library Assessment Data to Work

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 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 sued to improve library service


• The history and development of standardised 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


• Taking a holistic approach to library assessment through advocacy
  and strategic planning.

This book will be essential reading for library and
information service managers, administrators, assessment practitioners,
educators and policy shapers. It will also be useful for students and
researchers interested in library assessment.