Demonstrating ResultsDemonstrating Results
I became a librarian because of my interest in how reading affects people, how it can lead to insights and help people transform their lives…library services and materials help them in their efforts to change and grow. Outcome measurement can assess how well libraries do that.—Rhea Joyce Rubin from the Preface
Library services and programs that not only meet goals but can also demonstrate these results are more likely to secure repeat funding. By evaluating and presenting outcomes, libraries can document the positive work they do in a concrete way and gain financial support.
According to Planning for Results expert Rubin, outcome measurement lets libraries evaluate how they affect their users' quality of life. This latest addition to the PLA-sponsored Results Series uses familiar task breakdowns along with key terms in a step-by-step, service-oriented format so that readers can master the outcome measurement process as they:
- Enhance library programs using evaluation techniques
- Use and customize the 14 step-by-step workforms to address unique needs
- Gather and interpret statistically accurate data to demonstrate outcomes
- Measure, evaluate, and present outcomes to attract funding
Applying these concepts in examples and in two running case studies, an Internet class for seniors, and a teen mother-tutoring program brings the model to life. The "Toolkit" includes tips on creating evaluations, coding data, and selecting a sample.
By assessing the impact of services in users' lives, public library directors and program managers demonstrate to funding bodies their accountability and the effectiveness of programs, thus positioning their libraries to secure maximum funding.
Applying data effectively is the most important but also most often overlooked step in research and program implementation. In addition, as consultant Rubin shows, library services and programs that meet goals and demonstrate results are more likely to secure repeat funding. Through examples and case studies Rubin explains outcome measurement at the theoretical and very practical levels, including determining incomes, making the outcome measurable, designing the data plan, preparing for implementation, and making the most of results. She give s a variety of toolkits, including sample candidate outcomes and data preparation, as well as a collection of resources and 14 sets of work forms. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Library services and programs that not only meet goals but can also demonstrate these results are more likely to secure repeat funding. By evaluating and presenting outcomes, libraries can document the positive work they do in a concrete way and gain financial support.
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- Chicago : American Library Association, c2006.
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