The presentation introduces outcome based evaluation (OBE) as a tool for libraries to measure and share the impact of their work. OBE involves defining desired outcomes, planning programs and services to achieve those outcomes, implementing programs, and then measuring whether the outcomes were achieved. The presentation provides an example of how a public library used OBE to evaluate a cookbook author program, and discusses benefits of OBE including demonstrating impact to funders and the community.

1. Outcome Based Evaluation (OBE) for Adult Library Services Central Texas Library System Winter Membership Meeting Friday, January 22, 2010 Presentation by Lisa M. Metzer

2. Libraries have the capacity to make a difference in their communities!

3. How do we share the impact of our work?

4. Outcome based evaluation is a powerful tool in reporting the difference we make.

5. What has changed as a result of our work? What is the impact on the people we serve?

6. Today’s Presentation Define OBE. Explore outcomes-based planning. Evaluate library programs and services. Share our impact.

7. Outline Define Outcome Based Evaluation (OBE) History Benefits Outcomes Components / the Logic Model Implementation Example – Wells Branch Community Library Today’s application

8. Definition Diagram created using Curio 6 (http://www.zengobi.com/products/curio/)

9. History of outcome measurement Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), 1993 United Way outcome model, 1995

10. Benefits Diagram created using Curio 6 (http://www.zengobi.com/products/curio/)

11. Outcomes Diagram created using Curio 6 (http://www.zengobi.com/products/curio/)

12. Components / the Logic Model Diagram created using Curio 6 (http://www.zengobi.com/products/curio/)

13. So, how do we useOBE in our public adult services to measure the impact of our work?

14. Implementation Identify need Consider options (e.g. program, club, class, online tutorial, display) Outcome-based planning Delivery Measure impact

15. At the Wells Branch Community Library

16. Program Proposal

17. Program Proposal cont.

18. Program Evaluation

19. Final thoughts… Don’t have to do OBE every time. Start small. Can be challenging in small libraries. OBE takes time and commitment. Consider staff training. OBE is worth it to advance libraries and share our success our stories!

20. Today’s Application Planning and evaluating an adult library program by a cookbook author.

21. Activity Identify desired outcomes for today’s program.

22. Summary Define OBE. Explore outcomes-based planning. Evaluate library programs and services. Share our impact.

23. Resources Web sites ALA National Library Week Slogan http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm Government Performance Results Act of 1993 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/mgmt-gpra_gplaw2m/ Outcome-Based Evaluation: New York State Library http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/obe/index.html Shaping Outcomes Project Website http://shapingoutcomes.org/ United Way of America Outcome Measurement Resources http://www.liveunited.org/Outcomes/Resources/index.cfm United Way’s Outcome Measurement Resource Network http://www.liveunited.org/outcomes/

24. Resources cont. Books Demonstrating results: using outcome measurement in your library by Rhea Joyce Rubin, ALA, 2006. Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach. United Way of America, 1996. Presentations & PDF Files Outcome-Based Evaluation for Technology Training Projects, http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/obe/basic/index.html Perspectives on Outcome Based Evaluation for Libraries and Museums, http://www.imls.gov/pdf/pubobe.pdf WILIS: Selected Outcome Based Evaluation (OBE), http://www.wilis.unc.edu/docs/WILIS_OBE_bibliography.pdf

25. Resources cont. Podcasts, Webinars & Courses IMLS and Indiana University’s online course, “Shaping Outcomes” http://www.shapingoutcomes.org/ Librarian Live Podcast, “Outcome Based Evaluation for Libraries Explained” http://librarianlive.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=562321 Texas State Library and Archives Commission archived webinar, “Demonstrating Impact: An Introduction to Outcomes Based Evaluation” http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/archived.html