Library Assessment: 3 Evaluation

Evaluation refers to the analysis and interpretation of data.

• Evaluations conducted
  • Schedule how frequently analysis will be done for a specific set of data.
  • Designate what group is responsible for analyzing the data.
  • Set aside time to compile and analyze the data.
• Faculty discussion
• Decide who will discuss - a committee or the entire faculty.
• Interpret the data and decide what it means. 
• Make decisions
• Make decisions regarding the success of the Outcome.
• Make modifications to library curriculum or library services, if necessary.
• Revise Outcomes or assessment plan, if necessary.
• Make no change if that is appropriate.
• Enter the report into Taskstream
• Do it again!

Data must be analyzed to properly incorporate assessment and evaluation into library operations. Many assessment plans fall apart because data is collected but never analyzed. Data that is not used does no one any good.

As tenure-track professional librarians, the library faculty should interpret the data based upon their knowledge of their discipline. This discussion may occur amongst the entire library faculty or amongst a designated committee or group of representatives. Regardless, the group must be recognized by library faculty as a group that has the authority and legitimacy to make a binding decision. If they do not have legitimacy, the library faculty will not respect the decision.

Faculty should come to a consensus regarding what the data means. Consensus may mean compromise. Everyone may not agree completely.

The library must respond to the data and allow it to affect decision-making to properly incorporate assessment into library operations.

Choosing "not to make changes at this time" can be an acceptable decision resulting from assessment and evaluation.