Historically, libraries have relied on simple attendance counts and anecdotal success stories to measure the effectiveness of their services; however these statistics are not enough to guide internal strategy or build persuasive arguments to secure library funding. Enhancing existing service data with outcome data offers tremendous potential in many areas of the public library. While some libraries have taken the initiative to do this on their own, there are no standard outcome measures widely in use. The Public Library division of ALA recognized this gap and saw an opportunity for the association to lead a wide-spread conceptual shift in the field by proactively developing and disseminating outcome measures and support tools. Learn from one of the Canadian pilot sites how they have implemented a set of survey instruments, data entry and analysis tools to capture and understand the role their library plays in community development.
Learning Outcomes
Understanding of the use and implementation of outcome measurement in library business planning
Background and participation opportunities for PLA’s Project Outcome initiative
Sharing resources in the public library sector
