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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 July 2015

Jeremy Paley, Julia Cottrill, Katherine Errecart, Aimee White, Carrie Schaden, Tyler Schrag, Robert Douglas, Beeta Tahmassebi, Rachel Crocker and David Streatfield

The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of a common approach to impact assessment across the Global Libraries (GL) portfolio of grants. It presents an overview of…

3649

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of a common approach to impact assessment across the Global Libraries (GL) portfolio of grants. It presents an overview of two systems, the Performance Metrics (PMs) and the Common Impact Measurement System (CIMS). By providing a standard set of definitions and methods for use across countries, these systems enable grantees to collect data that can be compared and aggregated for the purpose of collective learning, improvement, accountability, and advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The PMs offer a standard methodology to collect library project performance management data, whereas the CIMS is a standard survey of public library users. The paper describes how the PM and CIMS data are being visualized and used, with examples of findings and lessons learned.

Findings

The paper cites examples of the type of PM and CIMS data available, with a focus on employment, gender, and case studies from Botswana and Indonesia. These highlights illustrate how libraries’ user demographics differ from other types of public internet access venues and how libraries can contribute to strong employment and growth.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement systems rely on different partners collecting data for the same metrics across different countries; while each grantee adheres to a standard methodology, small procedural, and methodological differences are inevitable. Future research could focus on conducting similar studies elsewhere, outside the cohort of countries in the GL portfolio of grants.

Practical implications

The paper offers insights and lessons for library agencies or institutions interested in implementing a common measurement system. Recognizing that few library projects have the resources to track a comprehensive set of indicators, a case study is presented about how smaller initiatives can adapt these systems to their needs.

Social implications

The indicators described in this paper enable public libraries to shift their focus from services provided to the outcomes they help individuals and communities realize, potentially increasing the potency of their programming and advocacy.

Originality/value

Common measurement systems are not new, but their application in the public library field is novel, as is the Data Atlas, a platform grantees use to compare results across metrics, track progress, and conduct advocacy.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 July 2015

Julia Cottrill, Fernando Letelier, Pablo Andrade Blanco, Henry García, Marcel Chiranov, Yuliya Tkachuk, Tetiana Liubyva, Rachel Crocker, Matthew Vanderwerff, Giedre Cistoviene, Ineta Krauls-Ward, Eugenijus Stratilatovas, Dan Mount, Agniete Kurutyte and Triyono .

The purpose of this paper is to outline the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries (GLs) initiative approach to advocacy and how it informs, guides, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries (GLs) initiative approach to advocacy and how it informs, guides, and integrates impact data to support sustainability of GL program results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines advocacy in the context of GL, and explores the GL grant planning process, tools, and collaboration between advocacy and impact specialists. Results are demonstrated through grantee examples that illustrate a variety of approaches to library advocacy using impact data at local, country, and regional levels.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the importance of identifying community needs, designing impact measures to demonstrate how libraries help to address those needs, and the variety of ways impact evidence can be used to effectively advocacy for public libraries. This basic formula can be applied to advocacy efforts ranging from a broad national policy to a small incremental change in perceptions of libraries by local decision makers.

Originality/value

This paper reinforces the essential link between library impact measurement data and successful advocacy.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2024

Julia Terry and Cathie Robins-Talbot

For over 15 years, Mental Health First Aid™ (MHFA) has successfully been delivered in Wales, United Kingdom, with growing interest in the MHFA programme and increasing course…

106

Abstract

Purpose

For over 15 years, Mental Health First Aid™ (MHFA) has successfully been delivered in Wales, United Kingdom, with growing interest in the MHFA programme and increasing course attendees. Trainers, aware of the need for support, know the importance of MHFA being accessible for different communities and learner groups. MHFA has always focused on increasing mental health literacy. One marginalised group, with lower mental health literacy than the general population, is Deaf people, a group with increased risk of mental health problems. This paper aims to provide insights about why Deaf people are twice as likely as hearing people to experience mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

During this paper, the authors have used four focal points i) exploring situational contexts for Deaf people; ii) reasons why Deaf individuals are at greater risk of mental health problems; iii) the authors explore a project, “Hear Deaf”, and implementation of MHFA Wales by Deaf MHFA trainers; and iv) initiatives to influence and impact on policymakers.

Findings

During the project, nine MHFA courses were delivered to Deaf communities across different locations in Wales, often with information and advertisements circulated directly to Deaf communities through Deaf clubs, resulting in 120 Deaf people trained. The authors conclude with their own reflections as a researcher and an MHFA who work predominantly with Deaf communities.

Originality/value

This paper provides a discussion on the specific risks for Deaf people around mental health and the importance of mental health promotion programmes for Deaf communities. Further research is needed regarding the impact of MHFA on Deaf populations.

Details

Journal of Public Mental Health, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5729

Keywords

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