As Librarians, we are in a position to develop quality programming and services, but as a result it is of the utmost important to remember that this is an ongoing process. Here the synthesis of all skills are put to the test as we, Librarians who have developed a professional repertoire of information based skills, after implementing these services and skills, must be able to evaluate, re-evaluate and maintain them. By doing this we can improve our services, update them, and make them more financially stable.
The ways in which Librarians evaluate programming and services varies in reference to the criteria given by many areas. For example, one criteria may be handed down from a local government and involve financial restraints and community goals. While other criteria may be dependent on current American Library Association standards, Governmental Laws, Young Adult Librarian Competencies, or even awarded Grants (as they are usually allotted/awarded for a specific goal). These are just a few examples of where criteria could affect the ongoing evaluation of programs. In some cases changes of certain criteria may even trigger new evaluations of old or outdated services.
Also, it is important to note that while evaluation of programming and service is connected and tied to certain criteria within the Library, a Librarian is also beholden to self-evaulation. It is important to evaluate yourself in order to better your professional relevancy and skill set. This is also, often tied to a specific criteria. Just as I am evaluating my MLIS educational experience in relation to the MLIS Professional Competencies as outlined by the San Jose State University School of Library and Information Services here, there are professional competencies for many specified areas of expertise in Library Science careers. For example, ALA posts (as of 2003) RUSA's (Reference and User Services Association) states Competencies for Reference Librarians. If these were to be updated they would likely impact references services or at the very least Reference Librarian's education. An ability to evaluate programs and services are crucial skills for Librarian's that will help to carry them (and their library) through the times, to deliver best-practice services, up to date technology, and optimal employee performance.
Demonstrative Works
Artifact 1 is the term paper for LIBR 285 Research Methods. In it I discuss Action Research as a self-evaluation tool. In this paper I look at and evaluate the services and changes implemented at The California Polytechnic State University Library by Mary M. Somerville, a leading Librarian and Professor in Action Research. These changes were documented in the text, Working Together, and this paper demonstrates my ability to evaluate both someone else's work as well as applying them to the current state of library services and research methods. The paper asserts Action Research as an up and coming trend that could address issues libraries are facing today as well as an answer to enduring questions on the relevancy of librarianship in today's technological revolution and financial strain.
In Artifact 2, I addressed a more specific criteria in a paper I wrote in LIBR 261 Young Adult Programming and Services, where I compared the differences between the 1998 and 2003 version of The Young Adult Librarian Competencies. The changes in Young Adult Librarianship criteria of competencies have meant a surge of programming and services as well as a change in the way we view Teen Patrons. Even the tone in which we address the needs of our Young Adult community have changed as a result. This is a wonderful representation of my ability to decipher and evaluate the state of Young Adult services, history, and the way in which we address them. As a result I am aware of the specific criteria needed to be a successful, productive and current in programming and services when dealing with Young Adults. As a result of this assignment I am aware of how to apply this level of evaluation to any area or community within library services.
Artifact 1: Beyond the Reference Desk LIBR 285 Term Paper
Action Research in Library Organizations & Self-Evaluation
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