Internal Needs Assessments: A worthwhile endeavor?

Abstract

In 2020, the Oral Roberts University Library Needs Assessment Committee conducted six months of investigation, including an internal examination of the Library and an external study of Library resources, services, and staff. This Needs Assessment was unique in that a team of Library faculty and staff conducted it. Internal members of an organization rarely perform needs assessments for many reasons, including inherent bias and the potential distrust of those not on the assessment team. This process was complicated due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the period of data collection. The presenters will discuss the process, the benefits and some of the downsides of an Internal Needs Assessment. They will also describe how they navigated the tensions inherent in an internal assessment. Finally, they will present some of the recommendations that the Library has implemented. They will also explore some long-term benefits from a perspective three years later, and will discuss future plans.