Data-Driven Decision Making: An Holistic Approach to Assessment in Special Collections Repositories

Abstract

2013 Griffin, Lewis, and Greenberg. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons-Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike License 2.5 Canada (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncsa/2.5/ca/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly attributed, not used for commercial purposes, and, if transformed, the resulting work is redistributed under the same or similar license to this one. AbstractObjective -In an environment of shrinking budgets and reduced staffing, this study seeks to identify a comprehensive, integrated assessment strategy to better focus diminished resources within special collections repositories.Methods -This article presents the results of a single case study conducted in the Special and Digital Collections department at a university library. The department created an holistic assessment model, taking into account both public and technical services, to Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2013, 8.2 226 explore inter-related questions affecting both day-to-day operations as well as long-term, strategic priorities.Results -Data from a variety of assessment activities positively impacted the department's practices, informing decisions made about staff skill sets, training, and scheduling; outreach activities; and prioritizing technical services. The results provide a comprehensive view of both patron and department needs, allowing for a wide variety of improvements and changes in staffing practices, all driven by data rather than anecdotal evidence.Conclusion -Although the data generated for this study is institutionally specific, the methodology is applicable to special collections departments at other institutions. A systemic, holistic approach to assessment in special collections departments enables the implementation of operational efficiencies. It also provides data that allows the department to document its value to university-wide stakeholders.

Space and place: a study of a specialized service desk

“…The authors concluded that “academic branch libraries can still be important destinations that continue to support students in their research and learning activities;” they also acknowledged that “as user and campus needs change so must branch libraries” (p. 211). Similarly, Griffin et al . (2013) conducted a holistic study of the Special and Digital Collections unit at the University of South Florida Tampa Library.…”

“…The authors concluded that "academic branch libraries can still be important destinations that continue to support students in their research and learning activities;" they also acknowledged that "as user and campus needs change so must branch libraries" (p. 211). Similarly, Griffin et al (2013) conducted a holistic study of the Special and Digital Collections unit at the University of South Florida Tampa Library. The assessment strategy was holistic in the sense that they created a model that "takes into account the needs, requirements, and standards of public services, technical services, and administration" (p. 228).…”

Holistic Collection Development and the Smithsonian Libraries

“…22 Griffin, Lewis, and Greenberg argue that the need to "identify a comprehensive, integrated assessment strategy to better focus diminished resources" is necessary in light of shrinking library budgets and reduced staffing, particularly within the context of special collections repositories. 23 Their 2013 study examined the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa Library, wherein Special & Digital Collections developed a holistic, systematic, assessment strategy "to improve a range of services in the Department." 24 By applying several quantitative and qualitative assessment tools, including Desk Tracker statistics and Reading Room Patron Surveys, they argued that library staff uncovered findings to propose user-centric modifications, including shifting reading room hours to meet patron needs, and continuing targeted outreach efforts.…”

Assessment of Digitized Library and Archives Materials: A Literature Review

“…DL evaluations can also be combined with traditional library service assessment criteria for holistic evaluation. The University of South Florida Tampa Library developed a holistic assessment including data from Aeon (their material request and workflow management software), Desk Tracker, reading room patron surveys, Web site and digital collections usability testing, Web analytics, and Fedora Commons analytics (Griffin, Lewis, and Greenberg 2013). Utilizing multiple assessment methods allowed for improved Web navigation, optimized DL performance for Internet Explorer and mobile devices (determined to be heavily adopted by users), the development of digitization priorities, and outreach opportunities based on little-used physical collections with high Web views (Griffin,Lewis,and Greenberg,(234)(235).…”