The New York State Library has taken a leadership role in working with
The Institute of Museum
and Library Services (IMLS) since 2003 to bring Outcome-Based Evaluation
training to its library systems and their member libraries, so that the
results of activities each year can be reported to meet the requirements
of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA).
Outcome-Based Evaluation (OBE) is defined by IMLS as a systemic way
of assessing the extent to which a program has achieved its intended result.
It answers questions such as "What difference did the program make?"
and "How did the participant benefit from the program?" OBE
is useful both as a planning tool and as an evaluation tool. Outcomes
are beneficial changes for program participants that include changes in
skills, knowledge, behavior, attitude, status, or life condition.
Although Outcome-Based Evaluation cannot be used for every project,
the benefits of using OBE evaluation techniques are many. It can be used
as a planning tool, as well as an advocacy tool, and can help communicate
the value and success of a program. It can also help libraries focus their
limited resources on their most effective programs that address the highest
priorities. |
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