Demonstrating Results

by Rhea Joyce Rubin

I became a librarian because of my interest in how reading affects people, how it can lead to insights and help people transform their lives…library services and materials help them in their efforts to change and grow. Outcome measurement can assess how well libraries do that. ―Rhea Joyce Rubin from the Preface Library services and programs that not only meet goals but can also demonstrate these results are more likely to secure repeat funding. By evaluating and presenting outcomes, libraries can document the positive work they do in a concrete way and gain financial support. According to Planning for Results expert Rubin, outcome measurement lets libraries evaluate how they affect their users' quality of life. This latest addition to the PLA-sponsored Results Series uses familiar task breakdowns along with key terms in a step-by-step, service-oriented format so that readers can master the outcome measurement process as Applying these concepts in examples and in two running case studies, an Internet class for seniors, and a teen mother-tutoring program brings the model to life. The "Toolkit" includes tips on creating evaluations, coding data, and selecting a sample. By assessing the impact of services in users' lives, public library directors and program managers demonstrate to funding bodies their accountability and the effectiveness of programs, thus positioning their libraries to secure maximum funding.

180 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2005

Reviews

[Paul Signorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhea Rubin’s contribution to the “PLA Results” series, designed to provide “pragmatic information” that can be used to improve any sort of program designed and offered by libraries (p. 11), is essential reading for those trying to document and advocate for the importance of library workplace learning and performance programs. She focuses on measuring outcomes—documenting “the quality and effectiveness of a program…to quantify our users’ success stories” (p. 2)—and takes a common-sense approach—always asking “so what?” in response to what libraries do. Exercises, tool kits, and work forms which can easily be adapted to the design and implementation of training programs and the measurement of their effectiveness serve as a continual reminder that measurement must be built into offerings from the moment those offerings are designed. “Training,” she notes, “is, by definition, an outcome-based activity since the goal is always impact on the trainees; the purpose is to stimulate or contribute to a change” (p. 29).

[Marianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contents very solid and practical. But rather dull.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

GOod ideas on extracating info from community members, evaluating that info, and devising strategies to use what is discovered.