@article{Griffin_Lewis_Greenberg_2013, title={Data-Driven Decision Making: An Holistic Approach to Assessment in Special Collections Repositories}, volume={8}, url={https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/19138}, DOI={10.18438/B8D03M}, abstractNote={Objective – In an environment of shrinking budgets and reduced staffing, this study seeks to identify a comprehensive, integrated assessment strategy to better focus diminished resources within special collections repositories.<br> <br> Methods – This article presents the results of a single case study conducted in the Special and Digital Collections department at a university library. The department created an holistic assessment model, taking into account both public and technical services, to explore inter-related questions affecting both day-to-day operations as well as long-term, strategic priorities.<br> <br> Results – Data from a variety of assessment activities positively impacted the department’s practices, informing decisions made about staff skill sets, training, and scheduling; outreach activities; and prioritizing technical services. The results provide a comprehensive view of both patron and department needs, allowing for a wide variety of improvements and changes in staffing practices, all driven by data rather than anecdotal evidence.<br> <br> Conclusion – Although the data generated for this study is institutionally specific, the methodology is applicable to special collections departments at other institutions. A systemic, holistic approach to assessment in special collections departments enables the implementation of operational efficiencies. It also provides data that allows the department to document its value to university-wide stakeholders.}, number={2}, journal={Evidence Based Library and Information Practice}, author={Griffin, Melanie and Lewis, Barbara and Greenberg, Mark I.}, year={2013}, month={Jun.}, pages={225–238} }