Internal Needs Assessments: A Worthwhile Endeavor?

Abstract

COLUMN EDITOR'S NOTE Contributions in this column focus on the closely related topics of strategic planning and assessment in all types of libraries. The articles found herein examine all aspects of planning and assessment including (but not limited to) components, methods, approaches, trends, tools and training. In the column below, the authors discuss a broad-based investigation that was performed at their library, including an internal examination of the library and an external study of library resources, services, and staff. The authors share several rationales for performing an internal needs assessment and examine the Needs Assessment team's process. The authors also describe how they navigated the tensions inherent in an internal assessment, the additional demands of a university mandate, and the COVID-19 pandemic impact. Several intangible gains realized as a result of the assessment process are provided.