How are we doing with assessment? Update from the Information Services Assessment Council March 8, 2006

Information Services Assessment Council members Susanne Clement, Libraries Jill Glaser, IT Ryan Papesh, NTS Thelma Simons, IT John Stratton, Libraries Bill Myers, IS

Some recent history August 2002 – Libraries Assessment Task Force formed February 2003 – Task Force report submitted; recommendations adopted; Libraries Assessment Council formed July 2004 – Libraries Assessment Council began second term (member rotation) July 2005 – Information Services Assessment Council formed

assessment an ongoing process in which services, resources and performance are measured against the expectations of users, and improvements are made to satisfy user needs effectively and efficiently.

Evidence in action

What do we need to know?

Who can tell us?

How can we get the information?

What will it enable us to do?

How much will it cost?

ARL “Making Library Assessment Work” suggestions: 1. Clarify the role of the IS Assessment Council and Coordinator

IS Assessment Council Charge [Draft] Specifically, ISAC is charged to:  Collaborate with and advise Information Services leadership and staff to identify priority assessment activities.  Develop, coordinate and/or conduct staff development activities related to assessment.  Report and communicate to the IS community on assessment activities.

In fulfilling this charge, ISAC will work with staff throughout IS to:  Develop an assessment plan with clearly defined goals, objectives, support and benchmarks.  Identify skills necessary to conducting and understanding effective assessment, and avail appropriate training.  Support assessment activities that address priorities and can be accomplished in a timely fashion.  Participate in appropriate professional venues and maintain awareness of assessment practices in similar institutions.

ISAC charge, cont. Evaluate assessment program success and identify resources needed for program advancement. Communicate results to staff, stakeholders, users and the broader University community.

ARL suggestions, cont. 2. Help library staff understand their role in the assessment process 3. Prioritize assessment goals and activities that focus on how and where the library adds value to the academic community 4. Use assessment as part of an integrated, objective method of planning and evaluation 5. Review how and why internal data are collected and used

Some current and recent assessment activities Libraries Web site comments and suggestions Libraries service desk comment cards KU ScholarWorks faculty focus groups Libraries service desk referral survey IS environmental scan of data gathering IS communication/newsletter focus groups

Upcoming staff development sessions March 30 - Overview of Information Services Assessment April 13 – Surveys as an assessment method May 11 – Usability as an assessment method Each session will be held in the Computer Center Auditorium, 10:30-noon

Some things we’d like to ask you…

Develop, coordinate and/or conduct staff development activities related to assessment.

Report and communicate to the IS community on assessment activities.

Identify skills necessary to conducting and understanding effective assessment, and avail appropriate training.

Evaluate assessment program success and identify resources needed for program advancement.

Communicate results to staff, stakeholders, users and the broader University community.

LibQUAL+ Conducted previously in 2000 (as SERVQUAL) and 2003 URL for our population open from March 27-April 21 Anticipate sending to all faculty and grad students, and random samples of undergrads and staff