Date

1-2011

Document Type

Article

Medical Subject Headings

Libraries, Medical; Library Administration; Organizational Case Studies; Evaluation Studies

Disciplines

Information and Library Science | Library and Information Science

Abstract

A multicase approach was used to explore evaluation methods being used in academic medical libraries that are engaged in strategic planning, including where in the planning and implementation process evaluation is being incorporated and how the evaluation data are collected, analyzed, and incorporated into future strategic planning processes. Data collection included document review (strategic plans, memos, Web sites) and interviews (semistructured individual interviews and focus groups). The strategic planning process used at each institution varied yet could be mapped to Bryson's process for strategic planning. Strategic planning was found to serve as a management tool, providing libraries in the study with direction and focus; however, there remains a strong need for leaders to communicate the importance of incorporating evaluation into the planning process.

Rights and Permissions

This is the author's final, peer-reviewed version of the article as prepared for publication in: Library & Information Science Research (2011) 33(1):54–62. doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2010.05.002. Link to article on publisher's website