Evaluating Reference Services

Evaluating Reference Services
Author: Jo Bell Whitlatch
Publisher: American Library Association
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2000-08
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780838907870

With this handy new guidebook, reference luminary Jo Bell Whitlatch outlines practical methods for evaluating and delivering excellent reference service to the technology-savvy library user of today.

How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation

How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation
Author: Michael Quinn Patton
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 180
Release: 1987-12
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780803931299

Introduces the reader to qualitative approaches--a major development in the field of evaluation during the last decade. This volume presents an introduction to the approach--differentiates it in the method and philosophy from more traditional quantitative methods; specifies the kinds of evaluation questions for which it is most appropriate; and explains the design decisions and sampling strategies which underlie its implementation. Step-by-step guides for planning and conducting fieldwork and observations; doing in-depth interviewing; analyzing, interpreting and reporting results; and many examples--from a wide range of disciplines and professions--clarify the use of qualitative methods in evaluations.

New Trends in Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries

New Trends in Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries
Author: Anthi Katsirikou
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2012
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 981435029X

An Autodesk Official Press guide to the powerful mechanical design software Autodesk Inventor has been used to design everything from cars and airplanes to appliances and furniture. This comprehensive guide to Inventor and Inventor LT features real-world workflows and work environments, and is packed with practical tutorials that focus on teaching Inventor tips, tricks, and techniques. Additionally, you can download datasets to jump in and practice on any exercise. This reference and tutorial explains key interface conventions, capabilities, tools, and techniques, including design concepts and application, parts design, assemblies and subassemblies, weldment design, and the use of Design Accelerators and Design Calculators. There′s also detailed coverage of design tactics for large assemblies, effective model design for various industries, strategies for effective data and asset sharing, using 2D and 3D data from other CAD systems, and improving designs by incorporating engineering principles. Uses real-world sample projects so you can quickly grasp the interface, tools, and processes Features detailed documentation on everything from project set up to simple animations and documentation for exploded views, sheet metal flat patterns, plastic part design, and more Covers crucial productivity-boosting tools, iLogic, data exchange, the Frame Generator, Inventor Studio visualization tools, dynamic simulation and stress analysis features, and routed systems features Downloadable datasets let you jump into the step-by-step tutorials anywhere Mastering Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Inventor LT is the essential, comprehensive training guide for this powerful software.

Evaluation of Reference Services

Evaluation of Reference Services
Author: Linda S Katz
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 351
Release: 2013-10-18
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1317951271

Library authorities address the increasing significance of reference services and the increasing need for evaluation of those services to further ensure professionalism and efficiency.

Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation

Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation
Author: Leslie Goodyear
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2014-10-06
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0470447672

Integrate qualitative inquiry approaches and methods into the practice of evaluation Qualitative inquiry can have a major effect on evaluation practice, and provides evaluators a means to explore and examine various settings and contexts in need of rich description and deeper understanding. Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation: From Theory to Practice explores the most important considerations for both students and evaluation professionals. Using various evaluation theories and approaches as a springboard for real-world practice, this reference serves as an accessible text for beginning students and seasoned professionals alike. Readers are given an in-depth view of the key qualities and benefits of qualitative inquiry, which also serves as a crucial counterpart to quantitative analysis. Chapters in part one focus on the foundations, core concepts, and intersection of evaluation theory and qualitative inquiry. Part two contains contributions from leading evaluators whose design, implementation, and reporting strategies for qualitative inquiry are centered on common, real-world settings. These case-based chapters point to the strengths and challenges of implementing qualitative evaluations. Key competencies for conducting effective qualitative evaluations are also discussed. Explores the role of qualitative inquiry in many prominent approaches to evaluation Discusses the method's history and delves into key concepts in qualitative inquiry and evaluation Helps readers understand which qualities are necessary to be an effective qualitative evaluator Presents the viewpoints and experiences of expert editors and contributing authors with high levels of understanding on the topic Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation: From Theory to Practice is a vital tool for evaluators and students alike who are looking to deepen their understanding of the theoretical perspectives and practice considerations of qualitative evaluation.

Practical Research and Evaluation

Practical Research and Evaluation
Author: Lena Dahlberg
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2010-04-22
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 144624816X

This book is a starter ′DIY′ text for practitioners who are looking to conduct evaluation studies and research as part of their own professional practice. The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods. This book provides a practical, user-friendly guide to social science research methods for professionals who have benefited from little, if any, formal research methods training but find themselves in a role that requires them to read and understand complex research findings and carry out their own research as part of their professional practice. Practical Research and Evaluation is aimed at practitioners working in education, health, social care and community work. Many in this market are non-graduates or are those whose study did not contain a research element, but are required to know how research works. This book has three main aims which will benefit this audience - to enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own, provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research, and enable them to better understand and evaluate critically research reports. This book is designed specifically for ′Do-it-Yourself′ researchers working in the public or voluntary sectors. It is accessible and relevant to practitioners, uses non-technical language wherever possible and employs grounded examples, practical tips, checklists and readings lists throughout.

The Evaluation and Measurement of Library Services

The Evaluation and Measurement of Library Services
Author: Joseph R. Matthews
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 538
Release: 2017-10-27
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

This guide provides library directors, managers, and administrators in all types of libraries with complete and up-to-date instructions on how to evaluate library services in order to improve them. It's a fact: today's libraries must evaluate their services in order to find ways to better serve patrons and prove their value to their communities. In this greatly updated and expanded edition of Matthews' seminal text, you'll discover a breadth of tools that can be used to evaluate any library service, including newer tools designed to measure customer and patron outcomes. The book offers practical advice backed by solid research on virtually every aspect of evaluation, including quantitative and qualitative tools, data analysis, and specific recommendations for measuring individual services, such as technical services and reference and interlibrary loan. New chapters give readers effective ways to evaluate critical aspects of their libraries such as automated systems, physical space, staff, performance management frameworks, eBooks, social media, and information literacy. The author explains how broader and more robust adoption of evaluation techniques will help library managers combine traditional internal measurements, such as circulation and reference transactions, with more customer-centric metrics that reflect how well patrons feel they are served and how satisfied they are with the library. By applying this comprehensive strategy, readers will gain the ability to form a truer picture of their library's value to its stakeholders and patrons.

Conducting the Reference Interview

Conducting the Reference Interview
Author: Catherine Sheldrick Ross
Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2002
Genre: Education
ISBN:

This handbook offers information and tips for librarians on conducting the reference interview. It features models of communication such as sense-making and microtraining, exercises for avoiding common pitfalls, and examples of both successful and problematic interviews.