Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Secret Shoppers In The Library, Jennifer Link Jones

Jennifer L. Jones

Purpose: Like many libraries, Georgia State University (GSU) Library consistently evaluates most of its services and resources, but the provision of high-quality reference service is assumed more than it is measured. As part of its fiscal year 2010-2011 Institutional Effectiveness Assessment Plan, GSU Library committed to investigating the quality of reference services provided by library employees in order to get a better picture of this core, and under-assessed, function of the library.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In 2009, the library evaluated customer service skills of library employees using the secret, or mystery, shopper approach often used in retail establishments in the private sector. …

Ipads As Clipboards: Simple, Portable Assessment, Jennifer Link Jones

Jennifer L. Jones

Purpose: Ongoing, systematic assessment can be a challenge for many libraries. Traditional methods like surveys can be time-consuming for researchers to develop and test and are easy for populations to ignore and delete from their inboxes. Scheduling interviews, focus groups, and usability tests with students and their unpredictable schedules can be a hassle. Georgia State University (GSU) Library sought innovative ways of gauging the perceptions, preferences, and satisfaction of its students, while addressing some of these assessment challenges. After participating in a campus iPad pilot program with Freshman Learning Communities, the library was allowed to keep its assigned iPads in …

Tapping Into Student Feedback: Instant Surveying With A Tablet, Jennifer Link Jones

Jennifer L. Jones

Ongoing assessment in academic libraries, particularly the measurement of student perceptions, preferences, and satisfaction, can be a challenge to schedule and execute. Georgia State University Library piloted the use of a tablet computer--in this case, Apple’s iPad--loaded with survey software to poll subjects quickly in the library buildings. The result was a practical model that maximized convenience for both subjects and researchers, and that other campus administrative and academic units easily can adopt. Presenters will discuss methodology, benefits of using tablet computers for formative assessment, recommendations and lessons learned, and ideas for future projects.