Library workshop digs into data transforming assessment into action

Binghamton University Libraries hosted the Planning, Assessing and Communicating Library Impact: Putting the Standards for Libraries in Higher Education into Action workshop on Sept. 12. The Roadshows workshop was a partnership with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) with support from SUNY’s Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS). Both groups aim to support libraries and access to information.

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with ACRL and OLIS to bring critical discussions to our Binghamton faculty and staff, as well as the broader library community throughout SUNY,” Dean of Libraries Andrea Falcone said. “My hope is that the information and connections through the workshop will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the libraries represented.”

The day-long workshop, which included Binghamton University Libraries faculty as well as librarians from across New York state, used the Standards for Libraries in Higher Education as a framework for discussing and analyzing library planning. Through presentations, discussions and small-group activities, the participants learned how to demonstrate the value of the work they do and examine the role of leadership in building a culture of assessment within their own library.

“We have to demonstrate that libraries provide value back to our communities like any other organization or business has to,” said co-presenter Kat Bell, strategic planning and grants lead at George Mason University Libraries. “We need to ensure that the work that we are doing really aligns with supporting our communities in the way that they need to be supported; How are libraries improving the student experience as far as how students are learning? How are they able to grow while they’re with the university?”

The collaboration between Binghamton University Libraries and ACRL emerged as a natural partnership, particularly given Falcone’s experience as a workshop presenter. Both ACRL and academic libraries, including Binghamton, share the goal of advancing teaching, learning and research.

“ACRL developed RoadShows to actively engage academic and research librarians in enriching our skill-sets, strengthening our competencies and preparing us to tackle the greatest challenges facing our profession today,” said co-presenter Lisa Stillwell, associate librarian for research services at Franklin and Marshall College. “Using the Standards as a framework enables librarians to consider not only the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of what we do, but also the ‘why’ and, most importantly, ‘why it matters.’”

Included in the workshop, the University Libraries showcased the newly renovated third floor of Bartle Library to visiting guests. Features of the third floor included the MakerLab, the Digital Scholarship Center and general improvements of the space highlighting the variety of furniture, project spaces and integrated technology. This tour reinforced the value libraries bring to their campuses by connecting evolving technologies, flexible spaces, and collaborative support directly to the academic mission.

For more information about ACRL RoadShows, visit ala.org/acrl/roadshows.