Innovative impact planning and assessment through global libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-84
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Richard Abisla ◽  
Violeta Bunescu ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Camila Garroux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Tools And Methods

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report a range of innovative approaches, methods and tools for evaluating the impact of public libraries and supporting the development of library leaders drawn from projects supported by the Global Libraries initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Design/methodology/approach A range of approaches, tools and methods are described by specialist staff who were directly involved with these innovations. Findings Some comments are provided on the effectiveness of these innovations. Research limitations/implications All of these innovations have been tried out in public library settings, usually over a period of years. Practical implications All of the selected innovations could be adapted and used by library leaders or impact specialists. Social implications Several of the innovations are specifically designed to engage library staff and users in evaluation processes. Originality/value The impact planning and assessment programme of GL was the largest sustained international public library evaluation programme so far attempted. This paper reports on the more innovative evaluation activities undertaken through this programme.

Impact Planning and Assessment of public libraries: a country level perspective

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Stage Process ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis is the first of a cluster of papers which seek to describe the work of impact planning and assessment (IPA) specialists at country level within the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the evolution of the approach to IPA developed by country specialists and outlines the main elements of the GL IPA Roadmap, which encapsulates this general approach. The Roadmap is a four‐stage process designed to ensure that IPA specialists know how to go about the needs assessment, baseline study and surveys involved in IPA at country level.FindingsThe paper underlines the need to collect required and recommended metrics for comparison and advocacy purposes and to take on the challenge of showing the impact of the country programmes in changing people's lives.Originality/valueThis paper shares the IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at national, regional or local level or who are interested in impact evaluation.

Innovative impact planning and assessment through Global Libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Pablo Andrade Blanco ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Ieva Dryžaite ◽  
Maciej Kochanowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a range of innovative (for public library performance measurement and impact assessment) methods and tools developed by country teams as part of the Global Libraries (GL) initiative. Short reports are provided on: a return on investment study, a simplified data processing system for library managers and an online reporting system for public libraries in Ukraine; a study of the public image of Polish libraries in print mass media, two approaches to sustainability of performance measurement and impact assessment in Romania, through tools to conduct pop-up surveys and use of agricultural subsidies support data, assessments of changes in public library managers’ planning efforts in Poland and of their perceptions of libraries and their own role, using Modified Delphi forecasting, in Lithuania, two ways of focussing on the world of public library users by engaging non-profit organizations in library research in Poland and conducting impact studies in virtual environments in Chile. Design/methodology/approach – A range of methods and tools and their uses are described. Findings – No specific research findings are reported. Research limitations/implications – All of these tools and methods have been (or are being) trialed in national public library contexts; some have been developed over several years. Practical implications – Useful for people in other (non-GL) countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local level or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Social implications – This paper is part of a GL effort to share what participants have learnt about impact planning and assessment in public libraries with the wider international libraries community. Originality/value – The impact planning and assessment program of GL has been the largest sustained international public library evaluation program so far attempted. This paper reports on the more innovative evaluation activities undertaken at country level through this program.

Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evidence Collection ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Collection Methods

PurposeThis paper has the aim of introducing the Special Issue on Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to provuide public access to information through computers in public libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis descriptive paper introduces the work of the Global Libraries Initiative and its IPA Specialists.FindingsAs more countries have joined Global Libraries, there has been a gradual increase in interest by IPA Specialists and their colleagues in employing a broader range of evidence‐collection methods in attempts to show more clearly whether and how greater access to information through public access computing leads to changes in users and their lives. There is still a great deal to be done before a likely move into the realm of systematic measurement of changes to people's lives and it is highly questionable whether IPA Specialists could ever achieve such a goal by enthusiasm, energy and collaboration alone. There is scope for more consistent application of qualitative research methods within and across countries, as well as for developing common impact measures based on user self‐assessment and reporting.Originality/valueThe paper introduces and discusses the Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and suggests how research to improve the GL Initiative can move forward.

Global Libraries impact planning and assessment progress

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umut Al ◽  
Pablo Andrade Blanco ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Lina Maria Cruz Silva ◽  
Luba Nikolaeva Devetakova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on performance measurement and impact assessment progress made in 14 countries as part of the Global Libraries initiative, starting with the early country grants in Mexico and Chile. For the mature grants in Bulgaria, Botswana, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and Viet Nam which were recently completed or are approaching completion, the nature of the country program is outlined, before the impact assessment work is described and some recent results and conclusions are reported. A similar approach is adopted with pilot and new grants in Colombia, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and Lithuania. Design/methodology/approach – The country reports are presented as a series of case studies, in some cases supplementing those in an earlier special issue of this journal. Findings – Where appropriate, recent country-specific survey findings are reported. Practical implications – This paper shares Global Libraries IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local level or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Originality/value – These cases studies reflect concentrated impact assessment and performance measurement work at country level across a range of countries over more than 12 years.

Promoting knowledge circulation in public libraries: the role of gamification

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 669-676
Author(s):  
Nathalie Colasanti ◽  
Valerio Fiori ◽  
Rocco Frondizi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge Circulation ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to investigate the impact of nudges and considerations stemming from behavioural economics on the promotion and enhancement of knowledge circulation in public libraries. In fact, literature indicates that an approach based on nudging individuals towards desired behaviours may be more effective than top-down policy actions that may be perceived as excessive.Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer the research question, the paper analyses an exploratory case study regarding the network of public libraries in Rome, called Biblioteche di Roma (BdR). BdR launched its online platform in 2009, but it was never able to create a strong connection with offline activities, and contributions by readers (such as comments and book ratings) remained very low. In 2018, BdR introduced a gamification section in its website, with the goal of increasing users' interactions and book circulation. Data resulting from the use of gamification, both at city level and within different neighbourhoods, will be presented and analysed.FindingsResults indicate that the introduction of gamification was successful in increasing users' interactions and engagement, both online and offline.Originality/valueThe paper is valuable as it explores the introduction of nudge theory and gamification in the public library system.

Embedding employability within higher education for the profession of policing

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-328
Author(s):  
Ian Pepper ◽  
Ruth McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Provision ◽  
Professional Body ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an employability module, the College of Policing Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP), on students’ career aspirations, their confidence and wish to join the police along with the appropriateness of the module. This will inform the implementation of employability as part of the College of Policing-managed Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). Design/methodology/approach A three-year longitudinal research study used mixed methods across four points in time to evaluate the impact on students studying the employability module. Findings The research suggests that the employability-focussed CKP was useful as an introduction to policing, it developed interest in the police and enhanced the confidence of learners applying to join. Lessons learnt from the CKP should be considered during the implementation of the PEQF. Research limitations/implications The ability to generalise findings across different groups is limited as other influences may impact on a learner’s confidence and employability. However, the implications for the PEQF curriculum are worthy of consideration. Practical implications As the police service moves towards standardised higher educational provision and evolution of policing as a profession, lessons can be learnt from the CKP with regards to the future employability of graduates. Originality/value Enhancing the employability evidence base, focussing on policing, the research identified aspects which may impact on graduates completing a degree mapped to the PEQF. The research is therefore of value to higher education and the professional body for policing.

Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Michnik
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Local Politicians ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.

What makes court-referred mediation effective?

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Galin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process And Outcome ◽  
Refusal To Participate ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Theoretical Insight ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Low Rate

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to obtain insight into court-referred mediation in the Israeli Labor Courts, by analyzing its processes and outcomes, as a function of tactics used by both the disputants and the mediator. Design/methodology/approach – Observation of 103 court-referred mediations, for each of which a detailed process and outcome were documented. Data on disputants' refusal to participate in the mediation was also collected. At the end of each mediation case, disputants were given a questionnaire in which they expressed their satisfaction with the outcome and their evaluation of the mediator's contribution. Findings – A low rate of refusal to participate in court-referred mediation was found. Also, the higher the ratio of soft tactics to pressure tactics employed (by all parties involved) during the process, the higher the rate of agreements. Mediators use significantly more soft tactics than disputants, and are more active in using tactics. The two significant variables that predict the mediation's agreement are the ratio between soft tactics to pressure tactics used by all parties, and mediator contribution to the process. Practical implications – The significant role of soft tactics in the process, outcome, and satisfaction of court-referred mediation may serve as a guideline for disputants and mediators. Originality/value – This unique research, which examines the impact of tactics on court-referred mediation, may provide added and significant theoretical insight into its process and outcome, as well as a better understanding of other “hybrid” (compulsory at the beginning, voluntary at the end) mediations.

The impact of blacklists on external deposits: one size does not fit all

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Jonsson ◽  
Jan Pettersson ◽  
Christian Nils Larson ◽  
Nir Artzi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Comparable Data ◽  
Patriot Act ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Probable Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Country Specific

Purpose This study aims to measure the impact of the Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and US PATRIOT Act Section 311 blacklists on external deposits from blacklisted jurisdictions into BIS reporting countries in 1996–2008, a period when anti-money laundering-related actions were consistently less stringent than post-2010, to see whether they had an effect even absent the threat of sizable financial fines. Design/methodology/approach The study uses descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate regressions to analyze the probable impact from blacklists on non-bank external deposits. The country sample is divided into offshore financial centers (OFCs) and non-OFCs and includes 158 non-listed countries. The impact of the blacklists is tested both jointly and individually for the respective blacklists. Findings The authors find mixed impact from jurisdictions being blacklisted on the growth rate of stocks of deposits into BIS reporting countries. Effects are often zero, negative in several cases and positive in some cases. This is consistent with the “stigma effect” and the “stigma paradox” in the literature. An overall impact from blacklisting is difficult to discern. Different blacklists had different effects, and the same blacklist impacted countries differently, illustrating the importance of disaggregating the analysis by individual countries. Research limitations/implications Interpretation of these data is limited by the absence of comparable data on non-resident deposits in blacklisted jurisdictions. Practical implications The impact of a blacklist depends in part on the structure of the listed jurisdictions’ economies, implying that country-specific sanctions may be more effective than blacklists. Originality/value This is one of the very few papers to date to rigorously test the impact of blacklists on external deposits.

Sustaining corporate culture in a world of hybrid work

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
White Collar ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the challenges to sustaining corporate culture in a world of hybrid working. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a review of current literature on the impact of remote and hybrid working on white-collar employees. Findings There is little consensus on whether remote/hybrid working will harm or strengthen corporate culture. Research limitations/implications The viewpoint is a subjective assessment of a limited number of articles on the subject Practical implications It is not entirely clear how those responsible for corporate culture can act on the findings. Social implications In a world in which corporations are experiencing a shortage of talent, how they handle corporate culture will be increasingly important. Originality/value While much has been written on the impact of remote working, this viewpoint takes the original view that strong corporate cultures rely more on the attitudes and actions of individual employees that company programs or initiatives.

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