UL takes part in an annual academic yearly cycle of assessment reporting for the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), that is evaluated using an established rubric. The assessment cycle annual report highlights UL outcomes and measures that require data compilation and findings reporting. Our annual report is then reviewed by OIE and scored using a rubric with the following scale:
1. Beginning 2. Developing 3. Mature 4. Exemplary
The highest possible score is a 4 on this scale. This annual report is due in February. Data and findings are reported in the Taskstream Accountability Management System.
Data for this report is compiled from the following locations:
Digital Measures
Google Analytics
Gorgas Library You Tube Channel
LibInsight
LibPAS
Voyager
UL puts together a yearly report delivered in January or February highlighting accomplishments from the previous year. The assessment team is responsible for a portion of reporting including statistics about visitors, circulation, collections, collection use, instruction, archival processing, ILL borrowing and lending, as well as website use and hardware and software available. Reporting of this information is expected in late October after the end of the fiscal year.
Data for this report is compiled from the following locations:
Computer Availability Stats and Charts
Google Analytics
LibInsight
LibPAS
lib.ua.edu website
Special Collections
The assessment team works closely with the Associate Dean for Research & User Services, the Head of GIS, the Coordinator of Library Instruction, and the Coordinator of Creative Media & Instruction Design Librarian. Instructional assessment involves assessing the pre/post research habits of students with a strong emphasis on information literacy student learning outcomes (SLOs). A program on instructional assessment has been established in EN102 and is in development for the increasing reach of instructional assistance provided by liaisons across campus departments.
Instructional assessment incorporates both qualitative and quantitative measurements. Reporting is ongoing, but larger summative reports occur at the end of academic semesters and are reviewed with all liaisons.
A pre/post test for EN102 has been administered for several years. Dr. Kevin Walker and Sara Whitver authored an article in 2020 related to the assessment of information literacy. Please review the attachments below if you would like to read their article or view examples of the pre/post test assessments currently distributed to EN102 students.
The assessment team is working to develop a generic assessment tool for use in the assessment of information literacy across other areas of liaison instruction. It is in the initial stages of distribution and development. To view please see the draft below.
The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) creates an annual Factbook. UL is required to report information about Titles and Volumes in the Library Collections every October. To view a longitudinal snapshot of this information please visit the OIRA Factbook site regarding Other Academic Information.