Registration is now open for ‘Leading a Strategic Assessment Program in a Research Library: An ARL Seminar for Recently Appointed Assessment Professionals,’ to be held in Washington, DC, May 14–15, 2015. This two-day in-person event is designed for librarians and coordinators who are new to the roles and responsibilities of assessment. The seminar will be supplemented with pre- and post-workshop webcasts (dates to be determined) and independent learning activities, plus connection with a network of experienced colleagues who will provide ongoing support.
This multimodal workshop experience will introduce participants to the practice-based framework of organisational performance assessment in research libraries. As an orientation to the roles and responsibilities of assessment librarians/coordinators, coverage will include the context and rationale for library assessment and an overview of methodologies, tools, and techniques for library-wide assessment approaches. The seminar will concentrate on making library assessment strategic, diverse, and effective in demonstrating library impact and value, and on the importance of aligning with the university mission and initiatives.
A number of leading research library assessment professionals will help prepare seminar participants to take strategic approaches to specific assessment assignments in their libraries. Martha Kyrillidou of ARL and Steve Hiller of the University of Washington Libraries will serve as the seminar’s core faculty.
The intended learning outcomes include: Understanding the scope of library assessment in academic and research libraries; becoming familiar with the rationale for library assessment activities; increasing knowledge of a variety of library assessment methodologies, tools, and techniques; considering effective uses of metrics and data for planning, decision making, and policy setting; being prepared to think through approaches to institution-specific library assessment; and developing and acting on a personal plan for defining your individual role and responsibilities and maximising your effectiveness and value to the organisation.
