NISO Forum Performance Measures and Assessment: Critical Tools During Challenging Times

Welcome & Introductions

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, Measures and Profiles: Assessing Library Performance

9:15 am - 10:15 am:

More than 100 years ago, J.T. Gerould stated the case for statistics that measured library performance. His efforts led to the first compilation of academic library statistics that eventually became the Association of Research Library statistics, the longest record of American academic library performance data. These statistics essentially measure inputs and outputs – how much, how many and how often. They did not measure outcomes, the effect of the library on the work and the life of the communities we support. The past 20 years have seen both the development of more robust organizational performance models, such as the balanced scorecard, and the increased use of qualitative methods to better understand the communities we serve and their use of library and information resources. This presentation will examine changes in measurement and assessment of library performance as well as the development and application of new methods.

Restructuring the New Library to Succeed: Assessment and Performance Measures from a Dean's Perspective

10:15 am - 11:00 am:

In time of financial stress, it becomes all the more imperative for library leaders to articulate the institutional “return on investment” in its library. This talk will focus on using assessment and performance measures to shape the message of the libraries’ contribution to the academic mission.

Break

11:00 am - 11:15 am

Retaining and Cutting: Collections Development in Tight Times

11:15 am - 12:00 pm:

This presentation will be an exploration of the use of statistical measures to make decisions on serial continuations, including using data to add and also cancel titles. It will look at how use, cost data, and cost per use were integrated into the latest serials review project at Colgate University as well as some of the reactions to this methodology.

Lunch

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Considering User Experiences to Assess Services and Facilities at the Library of Virginia

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm:

This presentation will discuss how a "Visitor Experience" study is being used at the Library of Virginia to assess services and facilities. The project began in the fall of 2007 and focused on the Library's physical exterior as well as features of the facility and services offered on the first and second floors -- the only two floors of a five-story structure open to the public. A volunteer management consultant conducted the survey, visited other libraries, and presented the findings in early 2008. The Library created a "visitor experience" committee to follow up on these findings and prioritize the recommended changes for implementation. Budget constraints have delayed some desired changes, but planning continues with input from the Library's Executive Management Team and members of the Library's Board and Foundation Board.

MISO (Merged Information Services Organizations) Survey

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm:

The MISO survey is an assessment tool designed to measure how faculty, students, and staff view library and information technology services in higher education. This presentation will review survey results gathered over the last four years, discuss ways participating schools use the data, examine emerging trends, and consider how these insights may impact the delivery of services in the future.

Break

2:45 pm - 3:00 pm

Building Your Own Assessment Plans

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm:

When assessment is becoming more critical than ever in strategic decision making and in justifying/maximizing organizational performance and impact, it is critical that every organization have an effective assessment plan. Effective assessment plans provide organizations with the strategic information and evidence necessary to address organizational accountability and decision making needs and must be fully integrated into the organization's strategic planning processes. However, there are many challenges to implementing an effective assessment plan. An overview of the strategies of assessment plan development and the most frequent challenges in implementing assessment plans will be provided. An emphasis on the alignment of the assessment plan to the organization will also be provided.

Progressive Alignment Step Characteristics

Q&A and Wrap-up

3:45 pm - 4:00 pm