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Libraries may feel too overwhelmed with limited staff and resources to take on something new like measuring outcomes, which is why starting small and scaling up is the best method for success. Starting small helps libraries increase their staff’s comfort with and expertise in outcomes measurement; capitalize on trial-and-error learnings; and build a structure for peer support of data collection and use. Hear from a veteran Project Outcome user on their experience starting small by evaluating the library’s Small Business series and scaling up to library-wide programming.
Originally presented February 5, 2019.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will:
- Know what Project Outcome is and what outcomes are measured;
- Understand how to overcome surveying challenges by starting small; and
- Be able to apply best practices and lessons learned from real-world examples.
Additional Resources
- Slideshow and list of shared resources (PDF, 48 pgs.)
Who Should Attend
This free on-demand webinar is open to everyone but will be most helpful to libraries that are new to outcomes measurement. PLA’s Project Outcome is a free online toolkit designed to help public libraries understand and share the impact of their programs and services by providing simple surveys and an easy-to-use process for measuring and analyzing outcomes. To learn more, watch this introductory video or register for free at www.projectoutcome.org.
Instructors
Amilcar Perez is the adult services and outreach librarian for the Forest Park (IL) Public Library. In addition to developing services and programming for entrepreneurs, career seekers, and digital literacy, he leads the library's assessment committee to develop methods and infrastructure for program and service evaluation. Amilcar has served in public and academic libraries in Montreal and Chicago, and one of his main interests is to illustrate the impact of libraries on the economic development, lifelong learning, and quality of life of the community.
Emily Plagman is the manager of impact and advocacy for the Public Library Association and manages PLA’s performance measurement initiative, Project Outcome. Prior to joining PLA, Emily worked as a project manager at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning on an energy efficiency grant. Emily received her Master’s in International Public Affairs from the LaFollette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin and her Bachelor’s in Political Science at Marquette University.
Registration
Cost
This on-demand webinar is free and available 24/7 for your viewing convenience.
How to Register
No registration is required.
Tech Requirements
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Credits or CEUs
PLA does not award credit hours, or CEUs, for its on-demand webinars and cannot verify participation.
Contact
If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).