Action Plan for Outcomes Assessment in Your Library : Book Review

"Action Plan for Outcomes Assessment in Your Library" by Peter Hernon is a highly informative guide that equips librarians with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively implement outcomes assessment in their libraries. The book takes a step-by-step approach, guiding librarians through the process of planning and conducting assessments that measure the impact of library services on their communities.

Hernon begins by highlighting the significance of outcomes assessment in libraries and how it can help showcase the value of library services and enhance the overall quality of these services. He then delves into the practicalities, providing librarians with a range of assessment methods and tools that can be utilized. The book offers practical advice on crucial elements including goal setting, defining outcomes, survey design, and data collection and analysis.

A notable strength of Hernon's book is its practical focus. Throughout the book, he includes numerous examples and case studies showcasing successful outcomes assessment strategies employed by various libraries. This enhances the book's relevance and applicability to librarians working in different settings.

Additionally, Hernon discusses potential challenges and hurdles that librarians may face during the assessment process, and offers valuable strategies for overcoming them. He emphasizes the importance of involving library staff and stakeholders, as well as making use of existing resources and partnerships to collect and analyze data effectively.

In summary, "Action Plan for Outcomes Assessment in Your Library" is an invaluable resource for librarians seeking to implement outcomes assessment strategies. It offers a comprehensive and practical approach, empowering libraries to demonstrate their value, improve services, and better meet the needs of their communities. By following Hernon's guidance, librarians can successfully navigate the complexities of outcomes assessment and make a meaningful impact in their libraries.

What are readers saying?

"Action Plan for Outcomes Assessment in Your Library" written by Peter Hernon has received high praise from readers, with an average rating of 4.27 out of 5 stars. This book offers valuable guidance on the implementation of outcomes assessment in libraries and has been lauded for its practicality, usefulness, and relevance.

Reviewers particularly appreciate the book's straightforward and practical approach, emphasizing Hernon's ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. By doing so, readers from all backgrounds can grasp the topic of outcomes assessment easily. The book's clear explanations and step-by-step guidance have been highly praised, as they provide librarians with the confidence to implement assessment strategies in their own libraries.

In addition, readers find the book highly useful. They value the inclusion of real-life examples and case studies, which illustrate how outcomes assessment can be applied in various library settings. The book provides a plethora of practical advice and tools that readers find invaluable for measuring and enhancing library services and programs.

Reviewers note that Hernon's work goes beyond theoretical discussions and focuses on practical solutions. The strategies outlined in the book are found to be applicable to their own libraries, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and develop effective assessment plans. They consider the book a comprehensive resource that addresses different aspects of outcomes assessment, ranging from goal definition to data analysis and using the results for decision-making.

Furthermore, reviewers emphasize the relevance of the book to the current state of libraries. In today's library landscape, it is crucial to demonstrate the value and impact of services, and outcomes assessment plays a significant role in achieving this. Hernon is commended for addressing potential challenges and barriers to assessment in the book, ensuring its relevance in an ever-evolving library environment.

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