ASSESSMENT WORKING GROUP
ROLE:
- To address issues related to assessing library collections, technologies and services
- To initiate assessments throughout the Libraries, chiefly based on client input
- To coordinate with and among working groups conducting assessments according to their charges
- To recommend to Library Council (LC) and/or other working groups actions based on results of assessments
The Assessment Working Group is intended to be an oversight body, with subgroups (task forces) on specific issues in assessment which include WG members and nonmembers who are interested in a particular aspect of assessment. The Group will also coordinate efforts of other working groups and act as a clearinghouse. Branch campuses may be included to the extent they wish.
- Assistant Director for Public Services and Outreach (ex officio)
- Library Webmaster (ex officio)
- Library Data Officer (ex officio)
- 6 Library faculty or staff, including at least 2 reference librarians, chosen by LC after soliciting volunteers
Terms will be for two years, starting in July. (Initial appointments included 3 people with 2-year terms and 3 people with 3-year terms to stagger turnover.)
GOVERNANCE:
The Assessment Working Group reports to the Director. The working group will select its own chair for a minimum six month term of office and will meet regularly or as needed. The group will coordinate its activities with other working groups and library departments, as warranted. Working groups will establish procedures and make policy within the scope of their responsibilities. Working groups are accountable for their decisions and are expected to share decisions with library colleagues using the standard working groups procedure. Any proposals generated by the working group that require non-materials budget funding for implementation must be referred to Library Council for funding approval. Similarly, any proposals with very broad policy implications also need Library Council approval. The chair of the working group is expected to update Library Council on its activities on a regular basis.
SPECIFIC CHARGE:
- To create an overall assessment plan for the WSU Libraries
- To undertake and coordinate assessments, surveys, etc. aimed at measuring the quality of our services and collections, and the needs and expectations of our clientele
- To ensure assessments are undertaken in accordance with University regulations
- To report the results of said assessments to LC and other working groups
- To make recommendations for changes based on the results of said assessments
- To coordinate WSU’s participation in national and regional library assessments of services and collections. This does not include quantitative statistical reports.
- To provide a repository for the results of assessments done by WSU Libraries groups
- To initiate information and training sessions related to assessment
- To disseminate information on assessment initiatives
DEFINITIONS:
- Assess – to determine the importance, size, or value of something
- Coordinate – to bring into common action, movement, or condition: harmonize
Approved by LC: 11-8-00; revised membership 11-15-00; revised 9-11-02; revised membership 06-12-06
Decisions Digest
Minutes Archive
List Serve Information
Working Agreement
Assessment Web Site
Strategic Plan
Five Year Assessment Plan (2002)