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Assessment case study: Two approaches to measuring the quality of library instruction: Closing

Value of internal quality assessment

Why is the library currently focusing on internal quality? Why not work on assessing student learning outcomes first? 

Establishing a culture with a strategic approach to goals, objectives, and assessment is an necessary first step.

  • Media as microcosm: instructional content lacks clear objectives (and assessment exercises) because it has not been part of library practices.

  • No assessment is possible unless you can define what you are assessing; establishing standards for specific, measurable objectives will support overall outcomes assessment.
    •  Instructional quality assessments are part of a larger library instruction program review.

Accomplishing the "easy win" of interal quality assessment provides a foundation for future assessment projects.

  • Ensuring quality content controls one of the variables in the instruction process.

  • Defining our internal quality refines and clarifies the overall goals of library resources and services.

  • Establishing departmental best practices for strategic objectives and assessments prepares us for collaboration with institutional research and other University partners. 

Key Take-aways

  • Clarify and define the parameters of quality for your services and your institution. 
    • Balance research best practices with the needs of your library.

  • Define specific and measurable objectives for your services or products.
    • The better you can clarify desired outcomes, the easier it is translate them into measurements.

  • Test your measurement instruments with appropriate stakeholders
    • Do not fear drafts and iterations!