Libraries have been counting check-outs, visits, and materials for over a hundred years. Jefferson College Library continues this tradition to help ensure that we have the high quality materials, services, and instruction, as well as spaces that improve learning. We look at raw data, we analyze curricular and co-curricular student learning outcomes, we see what resources are being used, and we research what resources are needed. We look at what is happening in our library and on our campus, at other libraries in Missouri, and at we look at national library and higher education trends. This guide will provide links to some of the raw data, analysis, and other assessment projects at Jefferson College Library.
Jefferson College Library works with students and faculty to determine the effectiveness of our research sessions. We have always used anecdotal information from faculty who invite us to teach research frames of mind and skills. For the past decade, we have employed more formal means to gather data about the research habits our students have when they begin taking classes at Jefferson College, and the learning outcomes associated with bibliographic instruction in a variety of formats. We look at how we can develop clearer outcomes in our scaffolded approach to teaching information literacy skills and habits of mind. In 2017 we began to look at co-curricular outcomes as part of the broader college endeavor. Over a three year period we will look at the co-curricular outcomes for critical thinking, intercultural knowledge, and information literacy. This year's analysis will incorporate quiz and assignment data extracted from Blackboard and obtained from faculty, pre and post session questions, and surveys given to student in selected classes. Librarians use the Association of College and Research Libraries' Framework for Information Literacy and its associated student learning outcomes to guide our teaching practices.
As part of the college-wide assessment plan for co-curricular outcomes the Library is participating in the multi-year cycle by assessing the following co-curricular outcomes in addition to our regular classroom assessment. Rubrics for the assessments are linked below.
2017-2018--Critical Thinking
2018-2019--Diversity
2019-2020--Information Literacy
2020-2021--Information Literacy (continued because of COVID pandemic)
2022-2023--Critical Thinking
The Library worked with the Assessment Committee to develop strong Student Learning Outcomes. The Library has developed multiple measures, including artifact assessment, faculty survey data, post-instruction quiz data, and in-class pre and post-test assessments. Additionally, we are utilizing direct, indirect, formative, and summative assessment to help guide our instruction, class activities, and assignments.