Library value and impact: Taking the step from knowing it to showing it

Authors

  • Mary Dunne Health Research Board
  • Mairea Nelson Health Research Board
  • Lucy Dillon
  • Brian Galvin Health Research Board

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/lirg577

Keywords:

impact measurement, value, evaluation, user surveys, qualitative research, customer satisfaction

Abstract

The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use (NDC) is a unique Irish information resource that embraces elements of several library types: national, public, special, academic, digital, and health. This paper presents the results of an evaluation study carried out by NDC staff in two parts, a value survey and impact interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine aspects of the value and impact of the NDC’s resources and services. Many elements of our approach worked well and contributed to the achievement of our aims and objectives. We outline our approach and suggest some modifications that we might make if we were to repeat the study.

Author Biographies

Mary Dunne, Health Research Board

Mary Dunne is an Information Officer in the National Documentation Centre on Drug Use, based in the Health Research Board, Dublin. Her qualifications include a Masters in Psychology and a Masters in Information and Library Studies (Distinction).

Mairea Nelson, Health Research Board

Mairea Nelson is an Information Officer in the National Documentation Centre on Drug Use at the Health Research Board. She has a Masters in Applied Social Research from Trinity College Dublin.

Lucy Dillon

Lucy Dillon is a freelance social researcher with over 15 years of experience in social research and evaluation. She has carried out research on a wide range of topics while employed by a variety of organisations in Ireland and the UK.

Brian Galvin, Health Research Board

Brian Galvin MA, MLIS is Senior Information Specialist in the National Documentation Centre on Drug Use at the Health Research Board. He currently chairs IFLA’s Health and Biosciences section.

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Published

2014-02-20

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 116 (2013)

Section

Refereed Research Articles

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