PLA’s Project Outcome launches new performance measures at ALA Annual

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CHICAGO – Join the Public Library Association (PLA) for the launch of the newest set of performance measures during Project Outcome’s preconference workshop, Friday, June 24, at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando. PLA will convene public library representatives and introduce them to Project Outcome and how it helps libraries measure the impact of their services.

Library leaders from PLA’s Performance Measurement Task Force will kick off the session by describing their experience testing the outcome measures in seven core service areas. Attendees will learn how to deploy outcome measures in their libraries, collect and use resulting data, and leverage the project’s support network to ensure successful adoption.

The training provided in this preconference will be expanded to include the newest set of performance measures developed and tested by the Task Force. Project Outcome’s current measures capture patrons’ immediate perceptions of value gained from a program or service. The new follow-up measures aim to capture patron-reported changes made after a period of time has passed.

The Task Force knew libraries wanted more advanced measures to better capture their community impact and have been hard at work developing the additional measures since launching Project Outcome last June. The follow-up measures provide a second opportunity for the library to collect data on the effectiveness of its programs. For example, a patron may initially report feeling confident about the new job-search skills they learned at a library program, but did they actually use them? Did they receive an interview or job offer? Now libraries will be able to discover whether or not patron change was made and better support their impact story.

By registering for this preconference workshop, libraries agree to participate in Project Outcome by implementing its surveys and accessing online tools and resources. Individuals and public libraries interested in participating in Project Outcome or learning more about outcome measurement can register for free at www.projectoutcome.org.

Generous funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has allowed PLA to accelerate and expand Project Outcome’s development and implementation. PLA and the Performance Measurement Task Force continue to build more advanced outcome measures and improve upon the online tools for users to continue turning better data into better libraries.

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.