Five Steps of Outcome-Based Planning and Evaluation for Public Libraries

May 1, 2016

Gross (information studies, Florida State Univ.), along with Cindy Mediavilla and Virginia A. Walter (both, information studies, UCLA), contends that library funders, stakeholders, and partners are shifting from using traditional evaluation measures of inputs (e.g., numbers of books acquired annually, staffing levels for programming) and outputs (circulation ratings, event attendance) to outcome-based assessment (how many patrons attended a program and what was gained from participating, such as a new skill). Thus, library personnel must adjust needs assessments, programming, and evaluation accordingly. To that end, the authors have adapted a series of presentations on their model of outcome-based planning and evaluation, a five-step process for determining community needs, developing services, setting and evaluating goals for such activities, and leveraging results to demonstrate an institution's value. Outcome assessment is a large topic in librarianship, and while this work is not groundbreaking, it is admirable in overall brevity and the utility of its model. Appended templates and tracking tools will also be helpful for anyone implementing this approach. VERDICT This slender book will be welcome to time-strapped staff seeking an effective strategy to designing and evaluating programs and proving their library's worth.--Evan M. Anderson, Kirkendall P.L., Ankeny, IA

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