Background: In the Fall of 2011, COLD identified “assessment” as a key strategic initiative for the CSU libraries over the next 18 to 24 months. To this end, the Deans voted to approve a new COLD standing committee on “assessment” to provide a tactical plan to move a coherent strategy on assessment of services forward for all CSU libraries. The new committee would carry the acronym CAT, which stands for COLD Assessment Team.
Objective: The objective of CAT’s efforts are twofold: 1) to create infrastructure and documentation for the CSU campus libraries to both collectively and individually examine their impact in student learning and faculty productivity; and 2) to undertake pilot initiatives that examine and document multiple methods of assessment of library programs and services, broadly defined.
Charge: Due to the large nature of the CSU system, there is a real opportunity to contribute to the global conversation on library value. CAT will provide CSU libraries with the tools and opportunities to create assessment methodologies to measure correlations between library instruction, services, collections, and functions with defined outcomes of student and faculty success. This effort is to garner meaningful, verifiable, outcome-driven data, that in aggregate, shows statistical evidence that CSU libraries have an impact on the academic performance of our users and our campus communities.
However, assessment and evaluation take a variety of forms with diverse methodologies. The committee will also harness the interest and energy of individual campuses to focus on new or innovative methodologies in the form of pilot projects that campuses can opt into as early adopters, or can benefit from project results. For instance, piloting and sharing practices around library participation in the WASC accreditation process would be useful to all CSU campuses. The committee will undertake a robust process of project planning and management in order to make the most efficient and effective use of system resources. Additional tasks of CAT are to serve as referral team, create assessment toolkits, keep abreast of emerging best practices, and publicize the work done.
Annual Work Plan: Each year, CAT will evaluate its current work and propose a prioritized list of projects mapped to the objectives above for consideration by the COLD membership.
Members: Beginning in 2015-16, CAT will have eight permanent members, not including the chair and vice chair. Membership will be for a two-year term rotating schedule and will be appointed from nominees from campuses represented by size. It is preferred that members have demonstrated assessment experience. Additional members may be recruited to work on annual projects and subcommittees. CAT will also develop a community of practice via listserv.