Measuring Our Performance

Our Assessment Program

To effectively measure our performance, the Theodore Sedgwick Wright Library is taking a centralized multi-faceted, information-driven approach to assessing and improving operations, decision-making, and customer service that: 1) is a sustainable practice that enables the library to effectively operate and evolve as a modern, user-centered research library in a complex, continually shifting information landscape; 2) articulates library value to stakeholders in relation to ROI, student learning, and faculty productivity; and 3) provides compelling evidence of how the library contributes to the larger institutional effectiveness and outcomes efforts in meeting strategic plan objectives and accreditation standards.

Key Areas

Each year, the library will conduct a series of studies, surveys, focus groups and other data gathering mechanisms to analyze our performance, effectiveness, and responsiveness to our patrons, the curriculum of the Seminary, and the research needs of our visitors near and far. Our assessment program is centered around four key areas:

  1. Operational Efficiency and Use: Collections, Resources, Services, Space, including examinations of collection use, resource use (including database use and return on investment), service and operational efficiency, and library as place.
  2. Patron Expectations and Experience, including usability, user experience, direct patron feedback, and topic-focused issues of special concern.
  3. Learning Outcomes and Scholarly Impact Assessment, focusing on the library’s scholarly impact, including contributions and responsiveness to student learning outcomes, faculty research and teaching, and visiting scholars' and pastors' work.
  4. Library Staff Assessment Fluency, ensuring that library performance data and effectiveness is regularly reflected upon and embraced in every area of the library.

Related Content


Ithaka S+R Research Support Services Project on Religious Studies (February-December 2016)


LibQUAL+® Survey


Library Reports and Outcomes

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Feedback and Suggestions