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Two pupil‐centred approaches to the assessment of school libraries

Two pupil‐centred approaches to the assessment of school libraries Purpose – The paper seeks to explore two qualitative techniques that may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of school libraries. The first is based on a “willingness to return” concept previously applied to reference interviews. The second extends a modelling‐through‐reaction methodology that has recently been developed to identify the characteristics of the ideal “information entity”. Design/methodology/approach – Although each method draws on data relating to the strengths and value of the library as perceived by users, modelling‐through‐reaction also addresses possible areas of improvement and the ideas of non‐users. Data are typically collected via individual interviews and focus groups. Direct quotations from participants are likely to feature prominently in outcomes when the modified “willingness to return” approach is employed, whereas more abstract principles result from modelling‐through‐reaction. Findings – The findings emerging from the application of the methods can be employed in several ways. The first technique is of particular use in advocacy, since it enables intermediaries to demonstrate the specific benefits that their work brings to the lives of pupils. The second helps information professionals identify the strengths and weaknesses of their library. It can also inform subsequent quantitative investigation, in which Likert responses are given to statements, and may facilitate target setting. Originality/value – The paper is unusual in highlighting various information behaviour issues within the course of a study of evaluation. Whilst the use of a wide range of references in the paper helps to endow the methods proposed with academic credibility, they are intended primarily to be of practical use to intermediaries. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Performance Measurement and Metrics Emerald Publishing

Two pupil‐centred approaches to the assessment of school libraries

Andrew K. Shenton
Performance Measurement and Metrics , Volume 12 (1): 12 – Mar 22, 2011
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References (43)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1467-8047
DOI
10.1108/14678041111124289
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The paper seeks to explore two qualitative techniques that may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of school libraries. The first is based on a “willingness to return” concept previously applied to reference interviews. The second extends a modelling‐through‐reaction methodology that has recently been developed to identify the characteristics of the ideal “information entity”. Design/methodology/approach – Although each method draws on data relating to the strengths and value of the library as perceived by users, modelling‐through‐reaction also addresses possible areas of improvement and the ideas of non‐users. Data are typically collected via individual interviews and focus groups. Direct quotations from participants are likely to feature prominently in outcomes when the modified “willingness to return” approach is employed, whereas more abstract principles result from modelling‐through‐reaction. Findings – The findings emerging from the application of the methods can be employed in several ways. The first technique is of particular use in advocacy, since it enables intermediaries to demonstrate the specific benefits that their work brings to the lives of pupils. The second helps information professionals identify the strengths and weaknesses of their library. It can also inform subsequent quantitative investigation, in which Likert responses are given to statements, and may facilitate target setting. Originality/value – The paper is unusual in highlighting various information behaviour issues within the course of a study of evaluation. Whilst the use of a wide range of references in the paper helps to endow the methods proposed with academic credibility, they are intended primarily to be of practical use to intermediaries.

Journal

Performance Measurement and Metrics – Emerald Publishing

Published: Mar 22, 2011

Keywords: Information research; Qualitative research; School libraries

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