Research question: (How) does the library contribute to equitable student outcomes and an inclusive learning environment?
Project Teams
Project Descriptions
Pilot Project: Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University (TTU) Libraries explored methods for assessing collections related to the study and research of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics and their discoverability by users. DEI studies have increased in prominence on academic campuses along with calls to question privilege and power structures, making DEI collections assessment critical. The TTU Libraries undertook a two-part project that surveyed user needs, collections usage, cataloging and discoverability, and user behavior in searching for and evaluating DEI resources. While the researchers were not able to identify an effective method for assessing DEI in large-scale collections, key findings indicate the potential for partnering with women’s and gender studies and Mexican American and Latino/a studies and the need for increased attention on cataloging and metadata, particularly table of contents and abstract/summary fields. The research team identified that many users expressed uncertainty in searching and evaluating DEI resources and expressed interest in search enhancements for better filtering and more prominent website presence for DEI research help.
Presentation:
Practice Brief: University of Washington
This practice brief documents the process used by the Undergraduate Student Success Team at the University of Washington to create a library outreach assessment framework. The framework, centered on demonstrating and communicating the value and impact of outreach activities, includes the Library Outreach Assessment Toolkit, a group of adaptable and flexible template documents that guide the assessment process for outreach activities. Grounded in a mixed-methods assessment approach, the toolkit can be used for any category or level of outreach; from one-time, just-for-fun events to annual instruction and services-focused programming. The toolkit, and in particular the outreach report, serves as a vehicle for ongoing communication with stakeholders and partners, and demonstrates the impact outreach activities have on library users.
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