Output Measures for School Library Media Programs

Numbers can provide concrete proof to demonstrate that a problem exists as well as evidence that steps are being taken to find solutions. Bradburn, chief consultant for library media programs for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, provides a much-needed format for taking data traditionally collected by library media specialists and showing how it can be used to talk about existing programs - or to document the need for a program change.

She addresses the use of statistics to justify the need for resources or to provide input for programs, ways to collect the data with limited time and staff, and the use of that data by systems or individual schools to argue for increased funding. Detailed information, clearly illustrated by examples and charts, is supplied on which data will best support a given need, collecting the data so they are reliable and useful, and interpreting and using them most effectively. "Hotspots" warn the reader of potential pitfalls in the use of these statistics. The major output measures are: media center use, materials use, materials availability, teaching availability, and staff development opportunities. Fully developed case studies illuminate the strategic use of output measures by the school library media specialist.