Title: Developing and testing assessment tools for measuring library impact on student
academic success
Background
Demonstrating the library’s value in students’ academic success has become more critical since the publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)’s “The Value of Academic Libraries Report” in 2010. Many academic libraries have adopted learning analytics to measure student learning outcomes, examining data such as GPA and course completion in relation to library engagement. However, this approach raises concerns about data privacy, protection, and ownership, and not all libraries have the capacity or policies to use learning analytics effectively. Since 2016, the UIC Library has assessed the relationship between library use and academic success through surveys, revealing unexpected findings that prompted further investigation into how students engage with library resources and define academic success.
Continuing this assessment is crucial for demonstrating the library’s impact on student success. Current tools have gaps that, if addressed, could better illustrate activities that enhance student success and identify causal factors. The literature shows that motivation and self-regulation significantly affect academic engagement and achievement, yet few library science studies have explored these factors. This research project aims to develop instruments that measure both academic engagement activities and psychological elements like motivation. By capturing students’ behaviors and definitions of success, the project seeks to understand the relationships between library use, engagement, and outcomes.
