Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Call for case studies - library assessment

Submissions are invited for a forthcoming edited collection of case studies on using Library Assessment to improve academic library services to be published by Facet. The book will provide a practical guide for library assessment practitioners, administrators and managers on how to make effective use of existing sources of information for assessment activities with the aim of improving academic library services.
The operationally-focussed text will take common sources of data that academic libraries already collect, and present simple qualitative and quantitative techniques that can be used by academic libraries to evaluate and assess their services, both in detail and overall. The different assessment methods will be presented from a practical perspective with a theoretical grounding. The case studies are seeking to illustrate how the methodologies have successfully been applied. The book will focus on how existing methods have been effectively used to improve the library.

International cases illustrating how library assessment techniques have improved the academic library service are welcomed. Specific topics of interest include:

·         Use of local or national institution-wide surveys e.g. University Experience Survey, the i-graduate Student Barometer or locally designed institutional-wide surveys.

·         Use of library-specific surveys, for example LibQUAL+ or Insync.

·         Using national library statistics, e.g. ARL, ACRL, CAUL or SCONUL Statistics

·         Using qualitative data, including unsolicited feedback.

·         Emerging techniques, e.g. UX methods, data analytics, anthropology and ethnographic techniques.

·         Combining qualitative and quantitative data to inform service improvements.

The language of the publication is English.

Please send an abstract of maximum 200 words, as an email attachment, to Selena Killick and Frankie Wilson (by December 2nd, 2016. Please include clear details of: the title and main thematic focus of the case study; the research design and methodologies used; and key findings and how the service has been improved as a result.Every abstract submitted will be assessed and authors will be contacted through their email addresses by December 21st, 2016. Final submissions of 2,000 words will be due by March 3rd, 2017.

Enquiries may be directed at the editors:

Selena KillickLibrary Services Manager (Student Engagement)
The Open University
01908 659209 |
Dr Frankie WilsonHead of Assessment
Bodleian Libraries
01865 277236

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