Margie H. Jantti

Measuring the Value of Library Resources and Student Academic Performance through Relational Datasets

Objective – This article describes a project undertaken by the University of Wollongong Library (UWL) to identify whether a correlation exists between usage of library resources and academic performance. Methods – A multidimensional approach to systems design was implemented, requiring collaboration between among the library, university administration, Performance Indicator Project team (PIP), and information technology services. The project centers on the integration and interrogation of a series of discrete datasets containing student performance, attrition, demographic, borrowing, and electronic resources usage data. PIP built a cube for the library that links usage of library resources to student demographic data and academic performance (the “Library Cube”). Other cubes will be linked later. Results – While initial reports are rudimentary and do not yet incorporate data on e-resource usage, results are favourable in demonstrating the value of using the library information resources in coursework. Based on the data generated to date, students who borrow library resources do outperform students who do not. Early trend data shows up to a 12-point difference in grades. Conclusion – The Library Cube signals a new milestone in the UWL’s quality assessment journey. Well-established measures of effectiveness and efficiency will be further complemented by measures of impact and value, allowing the library to step even closer to the goal of having effective and valued partnerships with the university community to realize teaching, learning, research, and internalization goals.

Leadership competencies: a reference point for development and evaluation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish a transparent, integrated approach to leadership competency development and succession management to respond to drivers associated with an ageing workforce, leadership drain and the enticement of people into leadership roles.Design/methodology/approach – A consultant was engaged to facilitate a review of the UOW Librarys leadership situation. Key to this process and subsequent activities was the use of the Lominger Leadership competencies; measurable characteristics related to success in the workplace to establish the desired leadership profile. Career interviews, professional coaching and targeted assignments were integral to the development of needed competencies.Findings – The paper finds that feedback from peers, managers and staff was a significant component of the evaluation strategy. Formal assessment took place through the use of the Lomingers VOICES® 360‐degree feedback instrument, an institutional employee climate survey and recertification a...

Academic Library Seating: A Survey of Usage, with Implications for Space Utilisation

ABSTRACTBetween June and October 1996 the University of Wollongong Library conducted a survey of patron seating usage with the aims of quantifying such use; and identifying areas where seats could be removed to accommodate the growth of the collection. The survey indicated that maximum usage of the 648 seats available for study was 66%. This supported a conservative reduction of seating numbers by 12%, resulting in minimal impact on patrons. The removal of seats enabled the installation of additional shelving and a compactus. The survey findings have assisted in accommodating collection expansion for a further five-year period.

What role for libraries in learning analytics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the development of an institution wide approach to learning analytics at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the inclusion of library data drawn from the Library Cube. Design/methodology/approach – The Student Support and Education Analytics team at UOW is tasked with creating policy, frameworks and infrastructure for the systematic capture, mapping and analysis of data from the across the university. The initial data set includes: log file data from Moodle sites, Library Cube, student administration data, tutorials and student support service usage data. Using the learning analytics data warehouse UOW is developing new models for analysis and visualisation with a focus on the provision of near real-time data to academic staff and students to optimise learning opportunities. Findings – The distinct advantage of the learning analytics model is that the selected data sets are updated weekly, enabling near real-time monitoring and interventi...

Libraries and Big Data: A New View on Impact and Affect

Abstract The increasing sophistication of data capture and warehousing capability within contemporary tertiary education institutions has offered new approaches for the examination of data generated from library systems and other university data sources. The University of Wollongong Library has, since 2010, sought to integrate Library usage data within enterprise reporting systems to better understand the value and impact for students using Library resources. The development of the Value Cube provided the evidence of positive correlations between use and student performance, i.e. their grades. Subsequent to the Value Cube, the Marketing Cube offers granular, near real-time usage data by a range of student dimensions, capturing patterns of behaviour and new insights into what information resources are being used and by which groups. The third milestone is the harvesting of Library usage data into the Learning Analytics dashboards and reports, creating a multifaceted view of student utilisation of critical learning systems, resources and services.The increasing sophistication of data capture and warehousing capability within contemporary tertiary education institutions has offered new approaches for the examination of data generated from library systems and other university data sources. The University of Wollongong Library has, since 2010, sought to integrate Library usage data within enterprise reporting systems to better understand the value and impact for students using Library resources. The development of the Value Cube provided the evidence of positive correlations between use and student performance, i.e. their grades. Subsequent to the Value Cube, the Marketing Cube offers granular, near real-time usage data by a range of student dimensions, capturing patterns of behaviour and new insights into what information resources are being used and by which groups. The third milestone is the harvesting of Library usage data into the Learning Analytics dashboards and reports, creating a multifaceted view of student utilisation of critical learning systems, resources and services.

One score on - the past, present and future of measurement at UOW library

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to provide an overview of the evolution of performance measurement at the University of Wollongong (UOW) Library. Through iterative review, a framework was sought that would enable it to: demonstrate value and impact; better assess the demand and uptake of services and to evaluate relevance; improve the capture and reporting of continuous improvement initiatives; create a new narrative for communicating its role and unique contribution to UOW’s strategic agenda. Design/methodology/approach – Since 1996, the Performance Indicator Framework (PIF) has been used to monitor and drive improvement, and to acquire evidence and milestones of success. As the issues of value and impact emerged in both in assessment theory and practice, it was timely to critically reassess the capability of the PIF and to optimise its alignment to the Library’s new structure and strategic focus. Findings – Initial observations revealed an improved: confidence and independence in team leader...