Leading a Strategic Assessment Program in a Research Library: An ARL Seminar for Recently Appointed Assessment Professionals

ARL is introducing a new educational opportunity for academic and research librarians: “Leading a Strategic Assessment Program in a Research Library: An ARL Seminar for Recently Appointed Assessment Professionals.” This two-day, in-person seminar 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 and independent learning activities, plus connection with a network of experienced colleagues who will provide ongoing support. Webcasts will be held in February and April (dates to be determined).

This multimodal workshop experience will introduce participants to the practice-based framework of organizational performance assessment in 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 training will not provide in-depth instruction in a single tool, nor will it focus on a single functional or service area of the library.) 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 coordinators to take strategic approaches to specific assessment assignments. 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
• Developing and acting on a personal plan for defining your individual role and responsibilities and maximizing your effectiveness and value to the organization

Registration

The registration fee is $800. Registration for this event is currently full. Register online to join a waiting list for the November seminar.