Tag Archives: evaluation

The 10-Minute International Librarian #17: Think about how you can measure success

The test of a great idea is in its delivery.

In order to understand whether a service or programme is working, it’s important to be able to see whether it is meeting its goals.

But also, proof of what you have achieved is also powerful when advocating.

Politicians will meet lots of enthusiastic people with great ideas. But what should work best in changing their minds is evidence.

Libraries can better protect and improve their situation when they can make it clear how they are contributing to their communities.

So for our 17th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think about how you can measure success.

There are different ways of doing which could fit to your own situation, from stories from individuals to statistics, from the way people feel (did they appreciate what you did?) to life-changes.

Looking through stories on IFLA’s Library Map of the World will give you some great ideas from libraries elsewhere. You can also learn more in our Storytelling Manual.

Thinking about measurement early also pays off, as it means you can collect feedback as you deliver any service or programme.

Share your stories on measuring success in the comments below!

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 3.3 Develop standards, guidelines, and other materials that foster best professional practice.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #3: Think of a success… and share it!

If you’re working in a busy library, it can often be difficult to take a step back.

There are too many short-term priorities, urgent things needing fixing or addressing to be able to take the time to think back.

But it’s important to do so, both in order to feel pride in a job well done, and in order to learn for the future.

As part of a global field, there is also so much to learn from other people, facing similar challenges, trying to find effective solutions.

So for our 3rd 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think of a success and share it!

The most interesting examples are the ones where you have faced difficult situations, and where you have had to be innovative in order to succeed. Try to evaluate what the key factors in this were.

This can help you – and others – learn useful lessons for the future!

Share your stories on social media, in the comments to this blog, or through your own blog or newsletters, so that others can read about what you’ve done.

Good luck!

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Strategic Direction 3, Key Initiative 2: Support virtual networking and connections

 

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box.

The 10-Minute Library Advocate #34: Stop and Think

The 10-Minute Library Advocate #34: Stop and Think

Advocacy doesn’t always work first time around.

Your targeting, your messaging or your tools may not immediately be effective. This is normal.

But it’s not a reason to give up. In fact, this is really useful experience that you can use to improve things.

So for our 34th 10-Minute Library Advocate exercise, stop and think.

Take a moment to reflect on what has worked well, and what hasn’t in the context in which you are working.

Remember what your objectives were, and think about whether you have achieved them.

Which messages seemed to engage people, and which did you need to explain again?

You can do this alone, or in a group – different perspectives can be useful. The results will help you develop your advocacy further in future!

Good luck!

 

See the introduction and previous posts in our 10-Minute Library Advocate series and join the discussion in social media using the #EveryLibrarianAnAdvocate hashtag!