Strategic Directions Along an Assessment

Continuum

Carol HunterDeputy University Librarian & AUL for Collections

& Services

Heather GendronAssessment Coordinator & Head of the Sloane Art

Library

UNC Chapel Hill

http://library.unc.edu/about/publications/

UNC Library Strategic Plan•University Libraries, in partnership with Health Sciences Library

•Assessment – continuous and the bedrock of our strategic planning and implementation process

•Strategic Planning Assessment: environmental scan, interviews and focus groups w/ faculty and students

Strategic Plan Themes1. The Research Lifecycle:Foster researchers’ success by providing active support throughout the

research lifecycle, from identification of the problem through dissemination of results.

2. Transformative Teaching & Learning:Support continuous and transformative learning experiences by engaging

in all aspects of the educational continuum.

3. Service To and Beyond the UNC Community:Support an informed and engaged citizenry and scholarly community

statewide and globally, and provide information resources and services that support the health care and economic development of North Carolina.

Strategic Assessment Approach “The demonstration of value is not about

looking valuable, it’s about being valuable.” – Megan Oakleaf (Value of Academic Libraries, ACRL report)

“Identify users’ needs, measure the impact of library services on users, and use results to

improve student, faculty, and library performance.”

-“Guiding Principles” (2013-2018 UNC University Library Strategic Plan)

“Investing in Success”GOAL 5: Demonstrate and communicate library value. (2013-2018 strategic plan)

•Conduct periodic and comprehensive user-centered assessments in order to inform planning and improve services.

•Collect, analyze, and report data that support decision making, improve performance, and demonstrate the value of library services, collections, and environments.

•Build awareness of and support for library spaces, collections, expertise, and services through a comprehensive communications and marketing program.

UNC Library Assessment Program

1. Library statistics2. Point-of-need, staff-initiated studies3. Campus-wide surveys (Ithaka S+R)

Why Ithaka S+R?•Faculty survey aligned w/ national survey results, 2000- present

•Participation in student survey pilot – cognitive interview study

•Results provide insights into non-library factors that influence teaching, learning, research, and scholarship

Research Lifecycle

1. Skilled staff to support research2. Spaces for consultation, creation,

and presentation3. Cutting-edge technologies, with

training and support4. Events that showcase faculty and

student research5. Opportunities for colleagues to

connect

FACULTY RESPONSE: How important to your research is each of the following digital research activities and methodologies today?

***Scale: 10 equals "Extremely important" and 1 equals "Not at all important."

Communication Strategies

Internal and external communication:•Collections & Services 2014/15 program and Library All Staff meetings •Administrative Board of the Library•Detailed Ithaka surveys report •1 page briefing for staff and UNC community

Thanks!

Carol Hunter cfhunter@email.unc.edu Heather Gendron hgendron@email.unc.edu