The practice of collecting data to determine whether a library program met its objectives is known as?

The practice of collecting data to determine whether a library program met its objectives is known as?

• A. Assessment
• B. Bibliographic instruction
• C. Digital literacy
• D. Reader's advisory

Answer: (A)

Measuring whether a library program achieves its objectives through collecting data is assessment. This approach focuses on outcomes—gathering information like attendance numbers, surveys, feedback, and pre/post assessments—to determine if the goals were met and to guide improvements. It’s about evaluating effectiveness and usefulness of the program, not just how the content was delivered. Bibliographic instruction is about teaching patrons how to locate and use resources. Digital literacy concerns the abilities needed to effectively find, evaluate, and use digital information. Reader's advisory involves suggesting books to readers based on their interests. While all are important library activities, they don’t inherently describe the process of collecting data to judge whether a program met its objectives.

Measuring whether a library program achieves its objectives through collecting data is assessment. This approach focuses on outcomes—gathering information like attendance numbers, surveys, feedback, and pre/post assessments—to determine if the goals were met and to guide improvements. It’s about evaluating effectiveness and usefulness of the program, not just how the content was delivered.

Bibliographic instruction is about teaching patrons how to locate and use resources. Digital literacy concerns the abilities needed to effectively find, evaluate, and use digital information. Reader's advisory involves suggesting books to readers based on their interests. While all are important library activities, they don’t inherently describe the process of collecting data to judge whether a program met its objectives.