Needs Assessment

Definition & Purpose:

A needs assessment process reveals the influences acting on the library. Information collected shapes the services and programs that best fit the library’s strengths and budget. Ultimately, it informs a vision for future development.

Results of a needs assessment can be used in a variety of situations:

Commencing a strategic planning process
Determining change in a user community
Making changes in a library’s collection, services, etc.
Determining adequacy of facilities, technology, etc.
Establishing satisfactory staffing patterns and library hours

Essential Data:

Local information and demographics cited from Census/ vital statistic records, library statistics, community development plans, and/or other existing data sources
Internal (library) & external (community) scanning results
Community input
Analysis of data (ex: identification of common threads or issues)
Library vision statement linking data to the library’s direction

Data Collection Options:

Careful consideration should be given to which data collection techniques are employed. Using only one technique may provide limited information while using too many can be expensive and time consuming. The online resources below provide several articles with pros and cons of the various techniques.

Surveys: mail, telephone, e-mail
SWOT exercise
Key informants
Community forum/Focus group
Census and/or public records
Citizen advisory groups
Town meeting

On-line Resources & Examples:

Talk to your field consultant for further resources.

Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Needs Assessment Information
Part of Collection Development Training
http://www.lib.az.us/cdt/commneeds.aspx

Community Analysis Methods and Evaluative Options: The CAMEO Handbook

Prepared by The Consulting Librarians Group, Sandra M. Cooper, Nancy Bolt, Keith Curry Lance, Lawrence Webster, in cooperation with MGT of America, Inc. for the Library of Virginia
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/pathway/cameo/index.htm