Preprint: “Bridges and Barriers: Factors Influencing a Culture of Assessment in Academic Libraries”

The following article (preprint), recently approved for publication, is scheduled to appear in the March 2015 issue of College & Research Libraries (C&RL).

Title

Bridges and Barriers: Factors Influencing a Culture of Assessment in Academic Libraries

Authors

Meredith Gorran Farkas
Portland State University
Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Source

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)/ACRL

Abstract

In an environment in which libraries need to demonstrate value, illustrating how the library contributes to student learning is critical. Gathering and analyzing data in order to tell the library’s story as well as identify areas for improvement require commitment, time, effort, and resources – all components of a culture of assessment. This paper presents the results of a survey designed to understand what factors facilitate the development of a culture of assessment of student learning in academic libraries and what factors may hinder it.
Unlike previous research in this area, which has focused on case studies and surveys with nonrepresentative samples, the authors conducted a systematic survey of academic libraries at four-year institutions in the United States and achieved a 42% response rate. The results suggest certain factors are highly associated with a culture of assessment and provide guidance to administrators and front-line librarians working to build such a culture.

Direct to Full Text Article (Preprint)
24 pages; PDF.

Filed under: Academic Libraries, Associations and Organizations, Data Files, Journal Articles, Libraries, News, Reports