Understanding our value; assessing the nature of the impact of library services

Abstract

This paper reports an approach to assessing the nature of the impact and benefit of library services, based on the concepts introduced in Urquhart's Value Project for healthcare information services. Two studies are described and compared. A project in the City of London public library service examined the benefits obtained from specific information requests. A project in several public library services in South West England examined the value obtained from the borrowing and reading of books, linking this with categories of learning objectives. These studies showed the promise, and also the difficulties, of adapting existing impact frameworks to understand the nature of the impact and value of library services

Library value and impact: Taking the step from knowing it to showing it

“…Impact may also be viewed as related to outcome, with some authors treating the terms as inter-changeable (McNicol, 2005), while others provide distinct, sometimes contrasting, definitions (South Australian Community Health Research Unit, 2008;Bawden et al, 2009;Folio, 2009;Lockyer, Conyers and Creaser, 2006;Abels, Cogdill and Zach, 2004). Perhaps the most straightforward distinction between outcome and impact is made by Brettle et al (2011, 20):…”

“…An assessment of impact therefore determines what real difference a library or information service (LIS) is making to its users, usually in terms of effects on their work (Bawden et al, 2009). These effects, or changes, may be immediate or long-term, intended or unintended, positive or negative (Poll, 2005;Poll and Payne, 2006).…”

“…The second is to better understand LIS users, and in so doing to provide them with a better service (Botha, Erasmus and Van Deventer, 2009). It is therefore not surprising that most impact studies incorporate, or are done in conjunction with, measurements of satisfaction with and usefulness of services (Powelson and Reaume, 2012;Urquhart et al, 2010;Bawden et al, 2009;Dunn et al, 2009).…”

“…Other resources include output from library collaborations that have developed toolkits with templates for surveys, case studies and advice for developing impact indicators (LIHNN, 2012;NHS SHALL, 2009;London Health Libraries Network, 2008; Evidence Base research and evaluation services, 2006; SCONUL, n.d). And some authors have published their survey or interview instruments (Bawden et al, 2009;Information Technology Primary Care Research Group, 2009;Weightman et al, 2009;Yeoman et al, 2001).…”

Planning changes to health library services on the basis of impact assessment

“…There are strong similarities between the questions developed in the IAM work and the UK impact toolkit questions on impact. Another review on library impact and the adaptation of existing impact frameworks concludes that adaptation is possible, but that impact frameworks need to be specific, relevant to the users, and the types of library services offered 6 …”