Evolution of a Culture of Assessment: Developing a Mixed-Methods Approach for Evaluating Library Instruction

Abstract

Assessment has become more of a priority for libraries across the country in the last decade. Using the instruction program as a case study, the authors detail the history of assessment development during the past ten years at Mercer University. Along with the university's culture of assessment, institutional-, library-, and program-level assessment are discussed, including how information is communicated across these levels. The authors also share an evolving multifaceted assessment plan for a traditional library instruction program, including methods such as attitude surveys, peer observation, and authentic assessment. In addition to past assessment, future directions are considered.

KEYWORDS:

• Assessment in libraries
• culture of assessment
• library instruction programs
• institutional effectiveness
• assessment methods
• levels of assessment