Library Collaboration Index: Documenting the Reach in Outreach

Abstract

As outlined in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) report Value of Academic Libraries: A Comprehensive Research Review and Report (http://www.acrl.ala.org/value/), Helmke Library is documenting surrogate measures to demonstrate its value to students, faculty and staff on an academic campus and to the community in general.

We are documenting and leveraging opportunities and partnerships to enhance awareness and use of library resources and services and most importantly, enhance and publicize the varied skills and contributions of the library’s staff and librarians. Using a simple spreadsheet, we are documenting these outreach and collaborative activities as well as librarians’ involvement in campus committees and projects in a Library Collaboration Index. This document, which lists the Activity, Audience, Contact Hours and other information, describes and quantifies the library’s impact, value and integration with campus and community activities.