Focus on Assessment - Mar 8, 2010

In fall 2009, the Library Assessment and Metrics Council sent out a survey to University Park
department and service unit heads, Commonwealth Campus Library heads, and members of
various Libraries councils. We wanted to obtain a baseline of the assessment activities being
done within the University Libraries, identify areas where additional assessment is needed, and
determine how our Council can assist Libraries faculty and staff with assessment activities.

We received a total of 34 responses to our survey. Most respondents indicated that they have
done multiple assessment activities in the past two years, including collection analyses, serials
evaluation, and head counts, among others. When asked what changes were made or
recommended based on the assessment, respondents primarily indicated canceling or changing
serials, weeding items from the collections, making changes to policies or procedures, and
changing service hours.

In response to what types of data or support were needed to engage in current or future
assessment activities, respondents focused on Director’s Station data/support/training, patron
data, computer usage data, statistical support, generation of reports/data, and access to
reports/data.

When we asked what data respondents recommended that the Libraries stop collecting, ARL
statistics topped the list. The next question asked how respondents used the LibQUAL data from
2002, 2004, and/or 2008. The majority of respondents indicated that they did not use the data.
Those who did use the data primarily looked at “how well they were doing” based on the openended
comments.

Lastly, our survey asked what the Assessment Council could do to assist Libraries faculty and
staff in their assessment activities. Top responses included “support the development of
Director’s Station documentation or templates,” “be a clearinghouse of assessment activities
being conducted in the Libraries” and “support the development of WorkFlows Reports
documentation/templates.”

The survey responses will be used to create the FAQ sections of our web site. We will also
forward a more detailed summary of the survey results to those who were originally surveyed, as
well as responses to specific questions raised in the open-ended portions of the survey. In
addition, we want to solicit further suggestions and feedback at our Brown Bag on Tuesday,
March 16, from noon–1 p.m. in the Mann Assembly Room. All are welcome to attend, and the
presentation will be available via Adobe Connect for those at the campuses or who are unable to
attend in person. Additional details will follow closer to the date.

—By Sydney Bennington, administrative support coordinator

Want an “assessment checkup”? The Assessment Council welcomes queries from individuals or
groups regarding specific assessment-related questions or issues. Send us your question or
schedule an appointment with us via e-mail to ul-assessment-council@lists.psu.edu.