From Data to Action: Libraries ACT on Their LibQUAL+ Findings

Learn how other libraries are using LibQUAL+™ data to improve their services and programs

This book focuses on the value of the 2002 LibQUAL+™ survey data to help librarians provide better services for users. This unique work highlights the continued efforts of participating libraries that used this Web-based marketing instrument to assess and evaluate their service quality, resource allocations, staffing, technology, and policies. Library professionals dealing with—or interested in—library service quality assessment will benefit from the practical examples and graphical representations found in this vital book.

With Libraries Act on Their LibQUAL+™ Findings, you will gain a better understanding of how to use your LibQUAL+™ data to identify opportunities to improve your services and programs, initiate further data exploration, and identify those areas of your library which need change. In times of budget reductions, the information in this book will show you how to better demonstrate to your patrons, community, and government agencies the value of the investment in library staff and resources. Enhanced with charts, graphs, tables, and figures, this text will help your library smoothly evolve with your patrons’ expectations and needs.

Libraries Act on Their LibQUAL+™ Findings: From Data to Action covers several important topics, including:

• the LibQUAL+™ survey instrument—what it is and how it works
• library service quality and user perceptions of library service quality
• peer comparisons and benchmarking
• qualitative and quantitative data analysis—how to read your findings
• strategic planning—how to use your findings
  

This book focuses on the value of the 2002 LibQUAL+ survey data to help librarians provide better services for users. Heath (University of Texas-Austin) presents work highlighting the efforts of libraries that use this Web-based marketing instrument to assess and evaluate their service quality, resource allocations, staffing, technology, and policies. This work has been co-published simultaneously as Journal of Library Administration, vol. 40, nos. 3/4, 2004. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Bruce A. Johnston, MLS(Duquesne University)
Description:This book presents a compilation of 15 articles which describe and analyze the post-survey experiences of several different types of libraries resulting from their participation in the 2002 iteration of the LibQUAL+ assessment survey developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in partnership with Texas A & M University libraries. LibQUAL+ data analysis by health sciences libraries, consortia members, and academic libraries is presented in several contexts including models of service quality, outcome assessment strategies, and implications for strategic planning initiatives.
Purpose:The three editors, each actively involved in the development and implementation of LibQUAL+, have culled from the diverse and growing LibQUAL+ literature a set of articles representative of the wide range of analysis, interpretation, and applications accompanying the LibQUAL+ assessment process.
Audience:This book appeals to a wide audience within the library community. Increased emphasis on outcomes assessment, accreditation and accountability issues, and quality of service measurements coupled with the growing popularity of the LibQUAL+ survey among different types of libraries has led to increased interest among library personnel at all levels to acquire meaningful data on user perceptions and expectations as a means to supplement traditional qualitative measurements. The book editors are credible experts in library evaluation and measurement who specialize in the LibQUAL+ survey, and nearly all individual article authors are directors, deans, or senior administrators of their respective libraries.
Features:Each article provides a unique perspective and analysis of LibQUAL+ results. Several libraries integrated their findings into strategic planning activities; a medical school library analyzed its LibQUAL+ data in the context of its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum; an academic medical center library performed comparative analysis by conducting surveys in two consecutive years. The book is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of numerous tables, charts, graphs, radar graphs, and appendixes. Many are in full color which enables more meaningful interpretation. An introductory chapter authored by two of the editors provides a useful overview of the LibQUAL+ evolution, concepts, survey instrument, and extensive notes linked to Web sites and additional print resources.
Assessment:Although this book was written by many library professionals from numerous perspectives, the quality remains consistently high. One of the book's strengths is the diversity of information and experiences it contains. The editors have done a superb job in presenting well written descriptions and analysis of LibQUAL+ post-survey activities within a variety of library environments. It is very useful to have all of this information on a topic of great interest to many libraries gathered into one relevant book.