TY - JOUR AU - Griffin, Melanie AU - Lewis, Barbara AU - Greenberg, Mark I. PY - 2013/06/10 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Data-Driven Decision Making: An Holistic Approach to Assessment in Special Collections Repositories JF - Evidence Based Library and Information Practice JA - EBLIP VL - 8 IS - 2 SE - Research Articles DO - 10.18438/B8D03M UR - https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/19138 SP - 225-238 AB - 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. ER -