The Never-Ending Evolutionary Saga of Assessing and Demonstrating the Value of Information Services in a Biomedical Library. Issue 4 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Philip; Laferriere, Heather; Walden, Rachel L.; Ivey, Camille
• Is Part Of: Medical reference services quarterly. Volume 40:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 369
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Academic libraries -- added value -- assessment -- biomedical libraries -- collaboration -- communications -- engagement -- health sciences libraries -- impact -- information services -- partnerships; Medicine -- Information services -- Periodicals; Reference services (Libraries) -- Periodicals; Medical libraries -- Reference services -- Periodicals; 025.527661
• DOI: 10.1080/02763869.2021.1987775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3869

Abstract

Abstract: Demonstrating added value can be very challenging, yet it is becoming important in academic libraries. The current literature primarily discusses citation analysis and usage reports to demonstrate return on investment for collections or impact on scholarly activity. However, value is not only in our collections but also in the library staff who support the institutional mission. Vanderbilt University's Annette and Irwin Eskind Family Biomedical Library and Learning Center has been experimenting with several methods to supplement the collections data with services performed by the staff. This article discusses the project's four phases as part of the goal to strategically demonstrate the biomedical library's added value to the university and medical center.