Getting Started with Evaluation

Getting Started with Evaluation

Author: Peter Hernon

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 0838911951

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Everyone agrees that evaluation of library services is essential, but without a background in research it can be a challenge to apply abstract concepts such as strategic planning, evidence-based decision making, and accountability to real-world situations. Finally library managers have a workbook to help them master key concepts of service quality assessment, offering directed exercises and worksheets to guide them. Firmly rooted in practical application, this book Presents an overview of evaluation and the types of metrics, linking them to strategic planning and infrastructure Examines qualitative versus quantitative measures Shows how to decide which metrics are relevant to one’s own institution, covering benchmarking, best practices, peer group filters, and those metrics that offer a high return on investment Includes pointers for launching and maintaining successful library evaluation through flexibility and smart delegation among library staff Offers advice on marshaling data to effectively communicate the value and impact of a library and its services, no matter the audience Complete with a detailed list of sources for metrics and concrete examples of evaluation in practice, this workbook will be both valuable and immediately useful to managers at academic and public libraries, as well as to library trustees and others interested in assessing service quality.


An Introduction to Evaluation

An Introduction to Evaluation

Author: Chris Fox

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2016-10-18

Total Pages: 323

ISBN-13: 1473987806

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Both practical and theoretical in approach, this book is the perfect companion for student researchers and policy makers alike. It provides actionable advice for planning and implementing evaluations, while also instilling an ability to assess the evaluations of others and consider the ways in which evaluation evidence could influence policy and practice. Drawing upon a wide range of examples from policy areas like education, criminal justice, and health and social care, this book showcases how evaluation is an interdisciplinary research practice with a spectrum of applications. Each chapter contains philosophical underpinnings and applied knowledge as well as examples from published evaluations. Specific topics include how to: Choose an approach to evaluation Plan, design, and conduct evaluations Approach evaluations using theories of change Differentiate between process, impact, and economic evaluations Understand the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection Use systematic reviews and other tools to assess and disseminate evaluation findings From getting started in the field to turning evidence into policy, this book will guide you through every step of the evaluation process.


Developmental Evaluation

Developmental Evaluation

Author: Michael Quinn Patton

Publisher: Guilford Press

Published: 2010-06-14

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 1606238868

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Developmental evaluation (DE) offers a powerful approach to monitoring and supporting social innovations by working in partnership with program decision makers. In this book, eminent authority Michael Quinn Patton shows how to conduct evaluations within a DE framework. Patton draws on insights about complex dynamic systems, uncertainty, nonlinearity, and emergence. He illustrates how DE can be used for a range of purposes: ongoing program development, adapting effective principles of practice to local contexts, generating innovations and taking them to scale, and facilitating rapid response in crisis situations. Students and practicing evaluators will appreciate the book's extensive case examples and stories, cartoons, clear writing style, "closer look" sidebars, and summary tables. Provided is essential guidance for making evaluations useful, practical, and credible in support of social change.


Assessing Service Quality

Assessing Service Quality

Author: Peter Hernon

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2015-05-12

Total Pages: 552

ISBN-13: 0838913105

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This extensively revised and updated edition explores even further the ways technology influences both the experiences of library customers and the ways libraries themselves can assess those experiences.


Getting Started in Teaching for Nursing and the Health Professions - E-Book

Getting Started in Teaching for Nursing and the Health Professions - E-Book

Author: Judith A. Halstead

Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences

Published: 2023-03-13

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 032382899X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Make a successful transition into teaching for nursing or the health professions! A concise, practical handbook, Getting Started in Teaching for Nursing and the Health Professions helps you take those first steps in becoming an effective educator. The book provides a foundation for new instructors, with a focus on need-to-know content. It helps you quickly learn and apply strategies for teaching in the classroom, teaching in the clinical setting, using technology to enhance learning, and evaluating the effectiveness of your efforts. Written by Judith A. Halstead and Diane M. Billings, bestselling authors and leading figures in nursing and health professions education, this practical handbook addresses the key topics that concern clinicians or beginning educators just like you. - Comprehensive, practical approach includes examples demonstrating immediate, "how-to" application for those new to the faculty role. - Consistent organization includes an Introduction to each topic, a Getting Started overview, and chapters focused on key concepts, common issues, and evaluation strategies. - Learning aids include step-by-step boxes, application activities, self-assessment activities, and a glossary of common terms used in nursing and health professions education. - Chapters on how to evaluate effectiveness are provided for each topic area. - Easy-to-read, conversational writing style helps you understand and apply the material.


Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple

Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple

Author: Chari Smith

Publisher:

Published: 2021-01-12

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 9781736315903

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Are you overwhelmed on how to do nonprofit program evaluation? You're not alone. Chari's here to help! There are many ways to do program evaluation, making it difficult to know how to start. In this book, Chari outlines a clear approach, filled with real world stories as well as examples of evaluation plans, surveys, and reports. Key topics addressed: Understand how to build buy-in for evaluation and address staff resistance and make a realistic program evaluation plan Create measurable outcomes for both grant applications and to guide program improvement Develop an impact and/or logic model that visually communicates what your program does and the difference it makes Create useful surveys that measure what matters Understand the choices in how to manage your data - spreadsheets v. database solutions Basic data analysis and reporting to make meaning of your data Included with the book is a link to a companion website filled with downloadable real world examples and templates.


Practical Research and Evaluation

Practical Research and Evaluation

Author: Lena Dahlberg

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2010-04-22

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 144624816X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book is a starter ′DIY′ text for practitioners who are looking to conduct evaluation studies and research as part of their own professional practice. The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods. This book provides a practical, user-friendly guide to social science research methods for professionals who have benefited from little, if any, formal research methods training but find themselves in a role that requires them to read and understand complex research findings and carry out their own research as part of their professional practice. Practical Research and Evaluation is aimed at practitioners working in education, health, social care and community work. Many in this market are non-graduates or are those whose study did not contain a research element, but are required to know how research works. This book has three main aims which will benefit this audience - to enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own, provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research, and enable them to better understand and evaluate critically research reports. This book is designed specifically for ′Do-it-Yourself′ researchers working in the public or voluntary sectors. It is accessible and relevant to practitioners, uses non-technical language wherever possible and employs grounded examples, practical tips, checklists and readings lists throughout.


A Guide to Assessing Needs

A Guide to Assessing Needs

Author: Ryan Watkins

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2012-01-06

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 0821389017

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Making informed decisions is the essential beginning to any successful development project. Before the project even begins, you can use needs assessment approaches to guide your decisions. This book is filled with practical strategies that can help you define the desired results and select the most appropriate activities for achieving them.


Five Steps of Outcome-Based Planning and Evaluation for Public Libraries

Five Steps of Outcome-Based Planning and Evaluation for Public Libraries

Author: Melissa Gross

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2016-01-13

Total Pages: 131

ISBN-13: 0838914160

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Featuring plentiful examples of how to proceed through each phase of the OBPE model, this book boils down planning and evaluation into an approachable, easy to understand process for public librarians, library managers, and grant writers.