“Measure what is measurable, and make measurable what is not so.”

Galileo Galilei

It is crucial to evaluate the results of programs and projects. The evaluation process requires a wide variety of data and information to be gathered and analyzed. (Matthews, 2018) Upon completion of data collection and analysis, it is best practice to prepare a report that describes the evaluation effort and the achieved results. (Matthews, 2018)

Evaluation focuses on specific and measurable assessment criteria. These criteria include extensiveness of reach, efficiency in use of resources, effectiveness in how well goals are being met, service quality of the services provided, impact or how a difference has been made, usefulness as a degree of appropriateness, and outcomes as change in knowledge or understanding. (Matthews, 2018) Performed properly, evaluation is an ongoing, iterative process, that allows for the development of new and innovative services.

Info 282 - Workflow Assessment and Design in Collaboration with Technology Teams

The purpose of this class was to examine strategies and approaches to assessing and designing workflows within information organizations with a focus on taking advantage of current capabilities and technologies that may be disruptive to traditional workflow design and implementation. Often implementation of these workflows requires multi-team coordination between subject-area specialists and technologists. We were informed how to discuss and identify strategies to structure cross-team collaboration for success.

I learned how to assess workflows for efficiency and effectiveness. I designed or redesigned workflows to take advantage of current capabilities and technologies. I developed communication and engagement strategies to effectively implement workflows and how to implement cross-team coordination and collaboration between stakeholders and technologists and specialists.

Class assignments that explored these learning outcomes included a literature review and plan drafts, a workflow design and assessment plan and online discussions.

Workflow Assessment Project: Circulating Hotspots

The scope and purpose of this artifact is a workflow assessment that includes a literature review examining how others have approached this workflow, context and environment in which the workflow will exist, a description and assessment of existing workflows, and description and diagram of the planned workflow. The report components include expected outcomes and improvements, design and implementation of team composition, a leadership plan, a description of required resources, a development and implementation timeline, a communication and engagement plan, and a plan for workflow assessment and continuous improvement.

Gamifying Information: Focusing on Assessments

This artifact was created for Info 287 - Gamifying Information, and focuses on assessments. I was challenged to create an assessment tool for my Information Explorer Room Escape proposal. This write up contains an assessment tool for the game that includes 6 dimensions, and my rationale for choosing those dimensions with supporting citations from class readings and other resources.

2019 Student Showcase: Project Management – Managing Client Expectations

This artifact is a presentation that was created for Info 282 - Project Management, and was subsequently nominated for the 2019 Student Showcase. It is designed to demonstrate knowledge of the current state of project management. One of the most important parts of any project is managing client expectations. If the client is not satisfied, the project is not going to be considered a success. The key to client satisfaction is managing client expectations from the start, although it is important during every phase of a project. One factor to properly manage client expectations is to clearly define the scope of a project and assess that that scope has been fulfilled before closing the project. When the scope of the project goals have been put into writing, this is the criteria to which the success and assessment of the project is measured.

Reflection

There are few things more satisfying to an information professional than closing a project or program successfully. This can only happen after full measure of a program or project’s success has been properly assessed and analyzed, skills in my toolkit that I plan to apply in my future career path. Although, measurable criteria can come in a variety of forms, the knowledge gleaned from evaluation is invaluable, and is imperative to the providing of appropriate services.

References

Galilei, G. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved from: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/galileo_galilei_381325

Matthews, J. (2018). Evaluation: An Introduction to a Crucial Skill. In K. Haycock & M. Romaniuk (Eds.), The Portable MLIS (2nd ed., 255-264). Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited.