NEW! Project Outcome for Academic Libraries: Visit the Site

Outcome Measurement Made Easy

for Public Libraries

Resources and Tools to Create Surveys and Analyze Outcome Data

485,735

Responses collected through public library surveys

2,603

Public libraries have created surveys

Public Library Updates

Project Outcome for Public Libraries Report (2021-2023)

Did you know that since its launch, more than 12,000 users at over 3,700 library organizations around the world have engaged with Project Outcome? Learn more and download a free copy (.pdf or .docx) of the new report today! Data included in the report covers survey responses collected between 2021 and 2023, as well as data from the 2023 Project Outcome User Survey.

On-Demand Webinars for New Users

Data Tools for Library Groups and States: PLA and ACRL staff discuss the data and assessment products, Project Outcome and Benchmark, and how they can help your group, consortia, or state library agency. Watch the webinar recording from December 2023.

Project Outcome 101: Learn about using outcome measurement to drive change, make data-informed decisions, and demonstrate the impact of programs and services at your library. The August 12 webinar recording and slides have been posted. Login with your free Project Outcome account to review all on-demand webinars.

Feature Highlight & Webinar: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Tag Project Outcome surveys with one or more SDGs and track results by goal. Watch the webinar recording and read this resource to learn about the goals, why they matter to public libraries, and how to use them when you measure the outcomes of your library programs and services.

Case Study: Programming during a Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources in Florida experimented with a new service model to safely connect with patrons, offering themed grab-and-go kits. This case study details their learning from the process of evaluating this new service (published Jan. 2023).

What is Project Outcome?

We help libraries understand and share the true impact of their services and programs with simple surveys and an easy-to-use process to measure and analyze outcomes. Project Outcome is a free toolkit offering libraries access to training, data analytics, and standardized surveys that measure outcomes in key library service areas:

Service Areas

Civic community engagement service area

Civic/Community Engagement

Services to inform, enrich, preserve, and promote community engagement, ranging from government issues to recreational activities. Examples include: Cultural Activities, Government Services, or Civic Engagement services and programs.

Digital learning purple service area

Digital Learning

Services to access technology, build technology-related skills and confidence, and make beneficial use of digital resources and services to meet patron needs. Examples include: Technology Usage Skills, Internet Education, or Computer Education services and programs.

Early literacy service area

Early Childhood Literacy

Services to improve early literacy and learning skills to prepare children ages 0-5 for school. Examples include: Storytime, Parenting/Child Development, or Every Child Ready to Read services and programs.

Economic development service area

Economic Development

Services to improve business start-up and development skills. Examples include: Business Development or Starting Your Own Business services and programs.

Education lifelong learning service area

Education/Lifelong Learning

Services to gain and impart new knowledge and skills, improve academic performance, and engage in a variety of lifelong learning activities. Examples include: Book Club Reviews, Author Discussions, Education Classes or Labs, or Bookmobile services and programs.

Health service area

Health

Services to improve the health of patrons and their families. Examples include: healthy cooking, healthcare information, exercise, or health and wellness services and programs.

Job skills service area

Job Skills

Services to improve the skills needed to find and apply for jobs and advance careers. Examples include: resume help, job fairs, or job search services and programs.

Summer reading service area

Summer Reading

Services to provide fun, engaging, and continuous reading opportunities throughout the summer and limit learning gaps for school-aged children. Examples include: Summer Reading for Adults, Teens, and Children.