How We Came to Dread Fridays: Developing an Academic Library Assessment Plan Two Hours at a Time

Abstract

During the summer of 2012, St. John Fisher College's Lavery Library developed a coordinated assessment plan. Committing to weekly meetings, librarians reviewed ACRL Standards, identifying key outcomes that would link to the college strategic plan. Utilizing the unique synergy of the library staff, librarians committed to persistence, collaboration, and flexible teamwork. Based on their summer-long perseverance, the librarians originated an assessment strategy that has not only aligned them with the college but has also positioned them to demonstrate the value they provide to their community.

Get out of fines free: Recruiting student usability testers via fine waivers

“…Like many academic libraries, St. John Fisher College's Lavery Library has explored a number of ways to effectively assess library sites and services, including a comprehensive assessment planning program (Hockenberry & Little, 2013). As part of this program, the library regularly employs Web usability testing, which is a "process used to uncover interface problems and come up with possible solutions" (Emanuel, 2013, p. 215).…”