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Engaging with Your Users: Informal Library Assessment. Oklahoma State University Library- Stillwater. Informal Assessment. Fairly quick and easy to conduct Minimal resources required. ASK LISTEN WATCH THEN ACT. ACT.
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Engaging with Your Users: Informal Library Assessment Oklahoma State University Library- Stillwater
Informal Assessment • Fairly quick and easy to conduct • Minimal resources required ASK LISTEN WATCH THEN ACT ACT Brown, J. M. (2010). Informal Assessment for Library Middle Managers. Library Leadership & Management, 24(1), 18-22.
Library Listening Sessions • Timing; Respect their schedule • Two-way communication exchange • Demonstrate • LISTEN! • Be flexible • If you feed them…
Wording the Invitation • 1st Email Invitation for SG: Free Lunch and Library Listening Session • 2nd Email • Reminder: Lunch & Library Listening Session, Wed. 11:30 Always Include: • Purpose • Date, Time, Place • Caterer • Informality • Expected Attendance • My contact information
2006 - 2010 • 24 Sessions; 168 students, 3 advisors • Average Attendance = 7 • Cost, approx. $10.00/person. (Library Friends) • Ongoing Groups • New Groups Including Group Advisors Obtaining Names and Email Addresses
Some Results • Hours • Printing Issues • Communication Methods • Collection Needs • Signage Suggestions • New relationships and information avenues • Demonstrated new or trial databases • Demonstrated integrated search system • Promoted public programs
Benefits and Challenges • Educational for both! • They truly appreciate the opportunity to provide input. • Helps us make evidence-based decisions Challenges: • Scheduling • Feedback Loop
Questions? Karen Neurohr, Associate Professor, Assessment Librarian Oklahoma State University Library karen.neurohr@okstate.edu 405.744.2376