Purpose & Goals

Since 2019, the free Project Outcome for Academic Libraries toolkit (acrl.projectoutcome.org) has helped library workers measure learning outcomes to drive change, make data-informed decisions, and demonstrate the impact of academic libraries. This poster, based on the introductory chapter of the ACRL publication Assessment and Advocacy: Using Project Outcome for Academic Libraries, will highlight the value of outcome measurement and ways the Project Outcome toolkit has enabled institutions and academic library professionals to use these measurements to demonstrate their impact more clearly.

Design & Methodology

The toolkit contains standardized surveys across seven survey topics: instruction, events/programs, research, teaching support, digital & special collections, space, and library technology. Surveys can be sent immediately following a service or event, and/or 4–8 weeks after completion. The data included in the poster comes from the institutions using the toolkit (a voluntary sample) along with descriptive analysis of results from all American academic libraries that fielded surveys between April 2019-July 2023.

Findings

Between April 2019 and July 2023 academic libraries have created 12,154 surveys in the toolkit and collected 159,252 responses. Overall, the most popular survey topic is instruction, with 73% of surveys fielded by American institutions falling into this topic. Based on responses from the immediate instruction survey, 93 percent of respondents learned something new that can help them succeed in their classes and that they intend to apply what they learned. Each survey also has two open-ended questions, and the comments survey respondents share in response to those questions attest to the value of academic libraries—and library workers—in supporting the mission and community at their colleges and universities. I will include a breakout of survey usage by type, including total number of surveys and total responses for each topic, as well as a sample of the types of programs or services each survey topic has been used to assess.

Action & Impact

Case studies from institutions that use Project Outcome illustrate how outcome measurement helps them make changes and advocate for their libraries. The case studies and results together suggest that academic libraries have - and can continue to - successfully use outcome measurement to improve the quality of their teaching, provide more resources, strengthen partnerships, and better support library patrons.

Practical Implications & Value

Project Outcome data provides evidence of library value that can be shared within the library and with campus partners and administrators. The data available through Project Outcome helps libraries reinforce the importance and value of their work, create messages for library marketing, and improve services.