Assessment and Evaluation
| Topics on this page: |
|---|
MidContinental Region conducts an ongoing program of assessment and evaluation to identify regional needs and opportunities for program development, to demonstrate the value of network membership and to evaluate the quality of services provided in the region. Assessment and Evaluation also works in concert with the Advocacy project to identify and create tools and to teach librarians in the region about using evaluation to show the value of health sciences libraries in member organizations and institutions. The links below will take you to useful web sites, reports of evaluation activities in the region and information about classes and presentations related to evaluation of outreach activities and library programs.
Evaluation in the Region
The MidContinental region practices evaluation in its daily work. Tools such as Logic Models, Evaluation Plans, focus groups, questionnaires are employed to understand the needs of the Network membership and to guide the programs offered. These tools allow the RML staff to continuously review progress toward the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Goals and toward the Region's objectives and desired outcomes in pursuit of those goals.
Member input
The results of all activities that solicit Member input are compiled into written reports and posted on this website. Check here for insights gained from Network member questionnaires and focus groups conducted with Members from health sciences and with public librarians in the region
NN/LM Site Visit 2008
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine program is administered by the NN/LM National Network Office of the National Library of Medicine. The NN/LM National Network Office has scheduled mid-contract year site visits to all of the NN/LM Regional Medical Libraries(RML). The site visits are used as a mechanism to assess the progress the RML is making, the challenges being encountered,how the RML is addressing the challenges, make recommendations to the RML, and identify how NLM can assist in addressing the challenges. It is also an opportunity to get feedback from Network members within the region.Critical areas of the site visit are the meeting with the administrators, the regional program review and discussion, and the public session. The 2008 Site Visit report is available now.
Evaluation sites on the web
There is a wealth of information about evaluation on the web. Some is specifically geared toward librarians and some can be adapted from other areas such as education, non-profit work, departments in the U.S. government and in the health arena.
Tools
A number of online tools can help librarians translate statistics and counts of services and resources into a powerful message for administrators. In addition to anecdotes about positive experiences and kudos from users librarians can solicit feedback from users with surveys. Try the Library Value Calculator, the CBA/ROI Calculator for books and journals and the new Database Calculator - tools for putting library concepts into financial terms.
Classes and presentations
Classes and presentations are available through the NN/LM, from both the MidContinental liaisons and the Outreach Evaluation Resource Center (OERC). Links to Power Points of presentations on evaluation given by the Assessment and Evaluation Liaison and to classes offered are available.
Glossaries
Evaluation glossaries offer definitions and descriptions of the terminology used in evaluation practice. They are wide ranging and not specifically library related, but still useful to librarians. Take a look to gain insight into the language of evaluation
Contact Betsy Kelly, Assessment and Evaluation Liaison, with questions or comments about the program or for assistance in designing evaluation criteria for outreach projects and activities.
Phone: Add 800 #800-338-7657 opt1/opt2/opt2 Fax: 314-454-6606
