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Evidence and impact toolkit for information professionals
AUTHOR, Amy Stubbing, has worked with numer- ous university librarians to help them embed data practices in order to use quantifiable data to justify decisions; this book is the outcome of her knowl- edge and experience. It is a practical toolkit that does not aim to teach everything you need to know about data but, rather, is designed to increase your confidence. It is written in an extremely accessible style, is jargon-free and has a com- prehensive index. Good use is made of sub-headings to break up the text, and there are useful tips and numerous applied examples.
The book is divided into three sections. Section one is an introduction on how to use the toolkit via a six-step data-driven decision making model; each step of which is covered in more detail in section two. Stubbs puts this model into the wider context of library cuts and argues that it is important, now more than ever, that library and information services work efficiently and effectively as well as providing evidence of value and impact.
Section two explores each step of the toolkit. From iden- tifying why and what type of data is needed, the reader is taken through data collection methods, how to organise and evaluate it and translating the data prior to analysis. They are then encouraged to use their knowledge and experi- ence to identify trends and
46 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
A useful and engaging resource for libraries with collections
I WASN’T sure what to expect from a book on weeding, but what I got was a really practical guide that has been writ- ten in an accessible and engaging way.
Stubbing, Amy. Data-Driven Decisions: A practical toolkit for library and infor- mation professionals. London: Facet Publishing, 2022. 200pp. ISBN 978 1 7833 0478 3. £50. CILIP members 35% off.
patterns before sharing find- ings and putting conclusions into actions. The final step is reviewing the process that allows not only a strategic overview, but also feedback into the cycle to improve it. Part three explores using data-driven decisions in practice with contributions and case studies from a range of librarians and information professions detailing specific applications within their institutions.
Although aimed at higher education establishments, this is a valuable book for anyone who needs to show evidence of the impact of their library service using measurable data.
Barbara Band School Library Consultant
The first section of the book gives some basic principles to follow when weeding and then a shelf by shelf guide, giving tips and guidance on what kinds of things to keep and what to weed out for each sub- ject section of your collection. It also suggests timescales for the cadence of your weeding activities as some areas, such as science and technology which are constantly advancing, will need attention more often that others.
There then follows a chapter on ‘Weeding Gone Wrong’ which covers weeding horror stories and how to commu- nicate with patrons to allay any fears that books are being discarded with no reason or thought, and to prevent your library becoming front page news for the wrong reasons. The final section looks at the importance of having a collection development plan, and how the plan can be used to inform weeding activities. The appendices have a num- ber of samples from example collection development plans covering public, academic and school libraries, each annotated to highlight best practice in weeding your collection. I would recommend this book as a useful resource for librar- ians from any type of library
Vnuk, Rebecca. The Weeding Handbook: A shelf-by-shelf guide. Chicago: ALA Editions, 2022. 214pp. ISBN 978 0 8389 3717 4. £54.
and with any size of collection. It gives easy to follow advice that will help you keep your collection current, represent- ative and with room for new, exciting and relevant content.
Alison Kendall Registers of Scotland
September 2023
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