This resource was designed to be used by individuals and groups as an ongoing reflection tool. Inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept, nor a complete-and-move-on challenge. The checklist and supporting resources are meant to help individual libraries evaluate current services as well as plan for the future. Ultimately, changes and…

In 2013, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded a group of seven librarians from the Research Library Leadership Fellows program of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) a planning grant to examine the center of excellence (CoE) model for information services. Used in a variety of industries, CoEs are designed to attract the most talented…

With journal price increases continuing to outpace inflation and library collection funds remaining stagnant or shrinking, libraries are seeking innovative ways to control spending while continuing to provide patrons with high-quality content. The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library reports on the evaluation, implementation, and use of…

Studies about diversity initiatives in academic libraries have primarily focused on large research libraries. But what kinds of diversity work occur at smaller libraries? This study examines the status of diversity initiatives, especially those aimed at students, at national liberal arts college libraries. Results from a survey of library…

Evaluation of library service effectiveness is defined in terms of providing objective information to library policy makers and program managers on the effectiveness and cost of alternatives, as well as existing programs and services. The elements of policy and program evaluation are discussed and the need to view evaluation as a continuous…

In September 1981, Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries inaugurated a Question/Comment Board, soliciting from users their suggestions, opinions, and complaints, and prominently displaying the libraries' responses to these queries. This technique has proved to be an effective method for identifying users' perceptions of libraries (i.e., physical…

The effectiveness of the Management Review and Analysis Program (MRAP) of the Association of Research Libraries, an "assisted self study" involving administrators, librarians, and staff in an internal study of management procedures and practices, was evaluated in 1976/77 by research measuring its impact on 22 participating academic and…

This publication is based on the work of The State Library of Ohio, the National Bookmobile Guidelines Committee, and staff of local Ohio bookmobile programs. Draft guidelines were approved by the 7th National Bookmobile Conference (May 31-June 2, 1992). The Guidelines provide brief statements of standards followed by specifics which indicate…

Offers overview of reasons why libraries may choose to begin volunteer literacy program in their communities and the design and evaluation methodology that will enable them to make successful evaluation of programs. Highlights include soul-searching questions, planning guidelines and suggestions, and delineation of responsibilities (library staff,…

As our society moves increasingly from an era of affluence to one of scarcity, the evaluation and assessment of publicly supported services will become even more crucial and necessary to ensure that public resources are being expended in the most effective manner. Evaluation of library service effectiveness is defined in this paper in terms of…

A system study of the Shelter Rock Public Library was conducted using available documents, background statistical data, and site visits. The library was found to be a strong public institution. The study group's major recommendations included: reorganization of the staff into three major departments--public services, technical services, and…

This report is a state-of-the-network summary of the data collected for a systematic application of the standards developed by the American Library Association in 1979 to the agencies involved in a cooperative network by the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Based on a synthesis of the…

This fourth installment in five-lesson tutorial on library evaluation focuses on evaluation of library programs (short-lived activities designed to meet specific needs). Highlights include seven steps in planning cycle and sample programs (reducing library noise, long-term effects of library-use instruction). Five required and suggested readings…

Outsourcing has been proposed as a method for improving effectiveness and productivity in Australian public library service. Developments, drawbacks, and potentials are discussed, and differences between contracting out whole services as opposed to selected activities are examined. (AEF)

To coordinate an academic-library marketing effort effectively, a comprehensive plan is essential. A traditional marketing plan consists of four activities: determining what to promote, defining target audiences, choosing type of outreach, and evaluating program. Suggestions for promotional activities, forms of publicity, and examples from the…