LSTA Direct Grants Application: Evaluation

The best method for collecting outcomes varies by project. Keep your audience in mind - the easier you make it for them, the higher your engagement will be. Think about yourself too! Make sure it is easy for people to participate AND easy for you to collect.

There are lots of methods to help you gather outcomes. Below are some common types to consider.

• Written survey - paper or electronic. Keep it short!
• Oral survey - hand raise or verbal response. You can use these at the end of standalone programs or with a set standing group at periodic intervals (Teen Advisory Board or Memory Cafe participants)
• Exit ticket - participants get some sort of 'ticket' and place it in a container depending on their answer - for instance, putting a pompom in the yes or no container at the end of a program
• Feedback chart/ wall - for instance, asking people at a program to write down what they learned on a sticky note to put on the chart
• Test results - some projects may have testing already within the activities (ESOL or TOEFL classes). If testing would be a natural part of your project, it can be a great way to gather outcomes, particularly since these typically wouldn't be self-assessments.
• Interviews - for instance, conducting an exit interview with a project intern.

IMLS suggests collecting the following outcomes:

• I learned something by participating in this library activity.
• I feel more confident about what I just learned.
• I intend to apply what I just learned.
• Applying what I learned will help improve library services. (Staff Training Outcome)