Squaring the Circle: Library Technology and Assessment

Little, Geoffrey

doi:10.1016/j.acalib.2013.09.002

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…(2012) echo Dougherty's concerns: "In adapting to the many changes facing us today, the development of an effective strategy for identifying and evaluating emerging technologies is vital" (p. 122). Despite these recommendations by Dougherty (2009), Ergood et al (2012), and Little (2013) to examine, evaluate, and assess emerging technologies and library technology units; the library literature is lacking in research to aid in such projects. Ergood et al (2012) found the same research gap noting: "While the professional literature covers emerging technologies and social media in libraries pretty well, there is a gap in coverage of specific planning and staffing approaches to such technologies, whether in libraries or elsewhere" (p.124).…”

Section: What Does the Literature Say?mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Possibilities are Assessable: Using an Evidence Based Framework to Identify Assessment Opportunities in Library Technology Departments

Stoddart

Lajoie

2014

EBLIP

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Abstract Objective – This study aimed to identify assessment opportunities and stakeholder connections in an emerging technologies department. Such departments are often overlooked by traditional assessment measures because they do not appear to provide direct support for student learning. Methods – The study consisted of a content analysis of departmental records and of weekly activity journals which were completed by staff in the Emerging Technologies and Services department in a U.S. academic library. The findings were supported by interviews with team members to provide richer data. An evidence based framework was used to identify stakeholder interactions where impactful evidence might be gathered to support decision-making and to communicate value. Results – The study identified a lack of available assessable evidence with some types of interaction, outreach activity, and responsibilities of staff being under-reported in departmental documentation. A modified logic model was developed to further identify assessment opportunities and reporting processes. Conclusion – The authors conclude that an evidence based practice research approach offers an engaging and illuminative framework to identify department alignment to strategic initiatives and learning goals. In order to provide a more complete picture of library impact and value, new and robust methods of assessing library technology departments must be developed and employed.

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