LIS 6511
--Collection Development and Maintenance--
Needs Assessment
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I.a. Students are able to evaluate critically, reflect, and problem-solve individually as well as collaboratively.
I.b. Students demonstrate effective communication skills.
I.d. Students demonstrate leadership skills and innovation in a diverse and global environment.
II.a. Students identify and analyze diverse information needs of individuals and communities.
II.c. Students understand and use appropriate information technology for information services.
III.a. Students analyze, organize and describe various formats of information objects.
III.b. Students identify and apply best practices in the use of different technologies for knowledge representation.
IV.a. Students will describe applications of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in library and information science.
IV.b. Students will identify opportunities for research and develop plans for research in applied settings in library and information science.
*Instructor Evaluation*
"Excellent methodology using key informants and users. Survey is fine. Analysis of results is on target. I like the use of social media to help the library disseminate the results."
--Vicki L. Gregory
As a library paraprofessional, it has seemed like in the past that the only way to get certain answers and information is to attack the question being asked head-on with little to no preparation or goal-setting. The answers seem damnably difficult to find especially when it comes to the community, namely in trying to figure out its wants and needs. Performing this needs assessment was greatly beneficial to my development as an LIS professional for a variety of reasons. For one, it demonstrated to me that there is indeed a tried and true practice of obtaining these answers, one that involves a deliberate methodology that, when applied considerately and carefully, can yield a bevvy of information that would be otherwise unobtainable. Secondly, this project reaffirmed the need and value of teamwork. Tackling such an all-encompassing task such as this--the determination of an entire community's overall needs--requires more than just one set of skills and experiences. Collaborating with colleagues has the potential to bring out the best strengths in everyone to better ensure the comprehensiveness and quality of those desired answers, as was the case here.
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