A Conversation about the Purpose and Function of Library Instruction Assessment

Presenters:

Kevin Walker, Head of Assessment & Government Information, and Sara Maurice Whitver, Coordinator for Library Instruction & Area Librarian for English Department and the Writing Center

abstract:

Join Kevin Walker and Sara Maurice Whitver for a conversation about the purpose and function of library instruction assessment. What is the relationship between program design and assessment? How can assessment function to support communication between librarians and our partners? How can assessment function beyond required reporting to help tell the story of our work? And how do we use the data that we gather to make the greatest impact? Kevin and Sara will talk about their process for developing assessment for information literacy instruction as part of a greater program design process. They will share their challenges and review the intent behind their choices, and discuss what they hope to accomplish in the future. Throughout this conversation, they will offer participants an opportunity to ask questions and provide an environment where participants can begin to think through their own program and assessment design.

Kevin Walker is the Head of Assessment & Govt. Information at the University of Alabama Libraries. In this role, he works across all library departments to establish robust and sustainable assessment practices that support data-driven management. He is also a regional coordinator within the Federal Depository Library Program. His research interests include the library’s impact on learning and civic engagement.

Sara Maurice Whitver is the Coordinator for Library Instruction at The University of Alabama Libraries and an area librarian for English Department and the Writing Center. She is interested in finding ways to support librarians working in the classroom and partnering with faculty and graduate student teachers to enhance information literacy within the curriculum.