Successes, challenges, and next steps in implementing outcome-based assessment: The case of Istanbul Bilgi University Library

Abstract

Assessment of the services, efficiency, and quality of academic libraries is increasingly shifting from input-output oriented to outcome-based approaches. Outcome-based assessment is a useful way to measure and prove the value of library services and operations to students, teaching staff, university administrations, and accreditation bodies. Recent studies have focused on the methodologies and tools for and the impacts of outcome-based assessment in academic libraries. This paper contributes by reporting a real case study on the impacts of a newly implemented outcome-based assessment process in an academic library. Its findings offer useful tips and takeaways for library assessment processes, and should guide other libraries on how to approach assessment consistently with their aims and to resolve related problems.