Assessment

The University of Michigan Library uses a wide range of assessment methods to guide our work in the following areas:

Understanding and responding to the library-related experiences and needs of our users, with particular attention paid to understanding the experiences and needs of underrepresented groups on campus.
Providing services, spaces, and collections — both physical and virtual — that are inspiring, inclusive, and accessible.
Supporting the continual improvement of the library’s internal work climate and work practices.

See details of some of our significant projects and access to findings.

Supporting effective assessment

While we do have a dedicated assessment specialist, work is carried out by staff throughout the organization.

Support for conducting effective assessment within the library includes:

Fostering community. We have both a community of practice, where active assessment practitioners gather for lab-style meetings, and a special interest group for people who seek exposure to new assessment approaches and projects.
Building skills. Our assessment community can access skill-building workshops — such as data analysis, survey creation, interviewing, and assessment plan creation — and assessment consultations with our assessment specialist that may cover all aspects and stages of an assessment project.
Providing tools and resources. An internal assessment website will house assessment best practices, links to tools and resources, and a materials repository so past assessment materials can be adapted for new projects.