Assessing the Academic Networked Environment

The University of Washington identified three major areas to work on as part of its participation in the CNI effort:
• Use of Networked Library and Other Information Resources
• Teaching and Learning
• Research/Information Seeking Behavior

Use of Networked Library and Other Information Resources

Efforts in this area were limited due to Jon Lindenauer, a statistician with Computing & Communications, leaving the University in June and the lack of a replacement since then. Activities have thus focused on assessing use of networked library electronic information sources. These include establishing the framework for collecting and analyzing use data. We have contacted vendors/providers of networked information resources about use statistics they provide. Development continues on a spreadsheet listing all networked information resources provided by the UW Libraries with information on the type and frequency of use statistics available. Use statistics for bibliographic databases offered through the Willow/Wilco interface over the campus network are now available at  http://staffweb.lib.washington.edu/EIP/.  We have also begun an evaluation of programs that capture Web use statistics.

Teaching and Learning - UWIRED Evaluation

Good progress has been made in establishing a structure for assessing the UWired program, which is a collaborative effort among Undergraduate Education, Computing & Communications, University Libraries, and Educational Outreach to help integrate information technology and electronic information resources into teaching and learning. The evaluation effort has completed work on describing services offered, population served, stakeholders and intended outcomes in the major UWired areas. We are working with people in each area to develop outcome measures and reports. Some specific activities included assistance to Undergraduate Education in development of survey form given to new students which included questions on computer and networked information use; tracking users for the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and discussion of measures on how CTLT has effected teaching and learning. For more information on the UWired evaluation efforts see:  http://www.washington.edu/uwired/about/evaluation/  (this information will be updated during the next few weeks).

Impact On Research/Information Seeking Behavior

Discussions are proceeding on establishing an ongoing effort to evaluate and assess library and other networked information resources and services. This group would coordinate the Libraries measurement and evaluation efforts, including the triennial campus user survey (Spring 1998) and the digital library program. Other components include usability, observation and focused group discussion. The group will be formed and begin work during the next month or so. During the summer some limited discussion with faculty concerning use of electronic journals also took place.

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