Did you enjoy the library? Impact surveys in diverse settings

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the adequacy of impact surveys for identifying library influence on highly diverse populations. Design/methodology/approach – Projects calculating an economic value of library services have become nearly familiar in the last decades, while attempts to identify an influence of library use on people's lives and on society are still somewhat rare. Probably the most suitable and manageable instrument for impact assessment is the survey, whether print or online, used separately or combined with interview techniques. The paper describes recent projects using impact surveys for diverse populations and compares their goals, target groups, and results. The focus is on impact in the sense of changes in people resulting from the contact with library services, not on economic value of libraries. Findings – The impact projects that are analysed, though differing strongly in outer conditions, populations and goals, show the applicability of the survey method for impact assessment, but also the need for adapting the method to the specific conditions. Research limitations/implications – Studies on library impact are ongoing, and methods are still developing. The paper shows a snapshot of the present situation. Originality/value – The paper concentrates on the most-used instrument of impact assessment; surveys. Based on practical examples it shows advantages and challenges of the method and gives recommendations for format and content of surveys in different settings.

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