Meta-Assessment of Online Research Guides Usage

Abstract

A practicable approach to meta-assessment is reported involving the use of online research guides as an outreach tool at Western Kentucky University. A series of such guides has been produced that cover each department on campus; this approach lends its way to assessment efforts by identifying discrete and quantifiable target populations across campus. A multiple-regression model is used to predict usage rates on the basis of surrogates for size of potential usership, and variations in quality and size of the guides themselves. The “badness of fit” of the regression model can be used to suggest ways of improving the outreach effort, as the residuals left from the analysis arguably identify related lapses in coverage or promotion. If carried out on an annual basis, the approach provides an almost ideal services assessment tool, since various measures can be taken to improve those guides that during each period are identified as “underachievers.”