Assessing Student Learning in Library Instruction: A Faculty Perspective

Abstract

Introduction Assessing library impact on student learning is essential for demonstrating libraries’ integrated value and commitment to higher education. Librarians value this commitment and seek measures of their contributions to higher education. Librarians at the University of Michigan Library taught 808 curriculumrelated sessions to 20,780 students in the academic year from September 1, 2017 through April 15, 2018. In order to measure course instructors’ impressions of this instruction, an online survey was designed and conducted to assess student learning in one-time, course-integrated library instruction sessions. The goal of this study was to investigate course instructors’ perceptions of student learning from these sessions. The results clearly demonstrate the value that library instruction can bring to the student learning experience. The concepts and skills taught through library instruction are foundational and intrinsic to curricula throughout higher education.