In this Section:
All librarians providing instruction service are involved in the recording of instruction services data. Statistics and record keeping are essential in providing a factual base for review of the instruction program and librarian instruction. The data that are collected concern which courses are involved, number of sessions, and number of students, as well as direct feedback from students and faculty.
Assessment of in-class (in-erson, hybrid, or online) librarian orientation and instruction sessions are completed using evaluation forms completed by students and evaluation forms completed by faculty and may also include peer observation and feedback. These evaluation forms provide feedback for the librarian and are also collected and reviewed by the Reference & Instruction Services Coordinator for overall program assessment. These forms provide librarians with valuable information that is reviewed to improve service quality and student learning. The forms include feedback in terms of student perception of learning, faculty observation of learning, and evidence of student learning. Pre- and post-tests are also performed for course-related instruction sesions, unless the course includes a related quiz, and then quiz data are collected.
Additionally, librarian in-class instruction sessions and library Course Research Guides are typically tied to research assignments and course learning outcomes and have specified student learning outcomes documented for these sessions and online materials. Student learning is assessed by the librarians when possible through classroom activities; otherwise, students' learning is assessed through methods by the faculty of the courses as set forth in their syllabi.
The Research, Assessment, and Web Services Librarian oversees the consistent gathering and compiling of all reference/instruction statistics. The type of statistics tabulated should not be changed without the consent of the Director of Library Services, Resources, and Outreach. The Research, Assessment, and Web Services Librarian regularly analyzes the data gathered.
In accordance with criterion 4.B.1. of the Higher Learning Commission, the library is involved in "ongoing assessment of student learning as part of its commitment to the educational outcomes of its students." Currently, instruction sessions are developed with learning outcomes based on learning outcomes from course syllabi. Currently, evaluation forms ask students directly what they have learned from an instruction session; instructors are asked whether they saw impact and application of what students were taught. This feedback is then compared to the stated learning outcomes for assessment purposes. Additional assessment measures are also used: pre- and post-tests or graded quizzes. Pre- and post-tests and quizzes are based on course learning outcomes.
Course Research Guides are typically developed using student learning outcomes from course syllabi. Course Research Guide usage is tracked, as is usage of the information sources to which the students are directed. Currently assessment of student learning is assessed by faculty at the course level.
Information literacy instruction that takes place in Reference Services one-on-one with students is also assessed for impact on student learning, particularly in research consultations, when that learning is most likely to happen. Exit surveys are standardized and provided for face-to-face research consultations and chat in-depth research questions when possible; and pre- and post-tests are provided to students who schedule for Teams online research consultations. Unsolicited feedback from students also provides some measure, and there are current plans for possible survey feedback.