Practical Evaluation Techniques for Librarians

This insightful manual discusses how to evaluate and assess information using different techniques such as surveys and focus groups. The author stresses the importance of data collection to support libraries and other not-for-profit organizations as they face the daily challenge of defending their contributions to the communities they serve. With a focus on "proving and improving," Applegate encourages readers to take a critical look at the services they provide and determine their strengths and weaknesses through outcome-based evaluations. Several different evaluation techniques are described in depth, and they will enable professionals to extrapolate the data they need to compile concise organizational reports. Clear, easy-to-use outlines detail how to create and utilize a variety of surveys or gather specific focus groups that will provide the definitive information they seek. Other chapters explain how to format the data and how to create targeted evaluation reports. While the content is presented in a dry and process-driven manner, it is thorough. A useful guide for gathering practical information.—Allison Santos, Princeton Public Library, NJ