Online Library Instruction Assessment: Passing Fad or Curriculum Staple?

The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the importance of online library instruction, and assessment of this specific type of instruction could be the difference between online library instruction being a fad or a staple of the curriculum. Program assessment is not only useful for identifying ways to improve online instruction, but also to demonstrate value to institutional and library administration, and advocate for continued support after the pandemic has ended.

Program assessment can include formal or informal methods as well as objective, performative, authentic, formative, and summative methods. These assessment methods can be useful for determining student learning outcomes, perceived student learning, and effectiveness of instruction. Some tools for assessment include, but are not limited to quizzes, pretests, posttests, surveys, presentations, reflective discussions, rubrics, annotated bibliographies, or research papers. Strategic administration and evaluation of assessment tools and evaluation of results is necessary to give an accurate portrayal of student learning outcomes and program effectiveness. Especially in the online environment, careful planning of assessment is essential due to time constraints, technological issues, and financial costs. Many public service librarians have been involved with assessment at some level. However with transition from face-to-face instruction to an online format, there is a need for a transition in assessment as well.

In this panel, co-sponsored by the ACRL Distance and Online Learning Section and the ACRL College Libraries Section, attendees will learn from skilled librarians from community colleges, as well as two- and four-year colleges and universities, about various methods of assessing online library instruction programs. The diverse panel of experts will be experienced in various forms of assessment methods, and will offer practical suggestions and expert tips for impressing directors, deans, and administrators with key data. Attendees will walk away with tools, strategies, and ideas to use right away for assessing their online library instruction program and advocating for continued support.