Library Assessment

Assessment

Library assessment is the practice of evaluating library instruction, services, resources, spaces, and other areas to determine:

• The impact of the Library on the University that it supports.
• How to improve and better align instruction, services, and resources to university needs.

We choose ethical, values-based practices and methods for collecting and interpreting data that help demonstrate Library value and impact. When conducting assessment activities, we ask:

• The impact of the Library on the University that it supports.
• What is the context?
• Who is asking?
• How will the requestor use the findings?
• Will actions be taken?

Library assessment differs from other academic assessment of instruction and learning because the library impact on student and faculty outcomes often must be measured indirectly. Thus, the Library generally collaborates with faculty, staff, and other departments to design and track meaningful measures of the Library’s impact on the MCPHS community.

Connection to Institutional and Library Strategic Plans

Library assessment work supports informed decision-making and improvement for how we support student learning outcomes. This work supports multiple institutional priorities.

Scope of Work

We recognize that not everything can be assessed, nor can we act on every finding. Our intention is to collaboratively plan and implement assessment work in the Library that is developed over time, realistic in project scope, and usable in making improvements.

Assessment projects within the Library can be developed and undertaken by any faculty or staff member, and there is also an internal Library Assessment Committee doing ongoing work.