How assessment websites of academic libraries convey information and show value

Purpose: The purpose of this lightning paper is to share the results of an analysis of assessment websites from a sample of academic libraries from four countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose:

The purpose of this lightning paper is to share the results of an analysis of assessment websites from a sample of academic libraries from four countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States to determine how assessment information is conveyed through websites and how this information may help to demonstrate value to constituents.   

The sample included libraries from the Research Libraries from the United Kingdom (RLUK), the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Council of Australian University Librarians and the Association of Research Libraries (U.S. libraries only) lists.  The U.S. list also included libraries found in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) Library Alliance lists.

In this paper, we hope to share our observations of this review of websites and provide suggestions in conveying assessment information using a website, to help create a picture that will demonstrate a library’s relevance and value.  In addition, this informal review is an attempt to add to the ongoing broader discussion about “best practices” for academic library assessment.