Cowles Library is dedicated to continuous improvement through the process of assessment and evaluation. Collected data is used to enhance current and develop new services, and to expand the collection of resources made available to students, faculty and staff at Drake.

Assessment Data Repository

From the Drake University 2008 Self-Study Report (p. 101): "Cowles Library provides an excellent example of how Drake University has used assessment and vision to transform the learning environment for students and provide new teaching resources for faculty." The faculty and staff of Cowles Library are committed to providing accountability for its programs by measurable assessment activities (which are represented in the Cowles Data Repository), and by the integration of missions (institutional and unit), values, planning, goals (organizational and personal), and services." Again, from the Self-Study Report (p. 220): "Library faculty and staff adhere to the highest professional standards and are committed to a rigorous process for program assessment and staff development."

Planning Tools and Resources (Inputs)

• LibQUAL+ Library Survey Results
• Library Self-Study Wiki

Reports (Outputs)

• 2009 Summer Intiatives and Projects
• Cowles Library Initiatives 2009
• Cowles Library Strategic Plan 2009-2010
• Environmental Scan Trends that will shape the future of academic libraries, updated June 2008.
• Transforming Learning and Sustaining Community A Cowles Library white paper (PDF)
• Sub-committee report for planning council (PDF)
• Cowles Library Self Study Report (PDF)

Self Study @ Drake

• Self Study Site
• Self Study Process
• Self Study Report