The problems and promise of learning analytics for increasing and demonstrating library value and impact
| Date | 08 January 2018 |
| Pages | 16-24 |
| Published date | 08 January 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-08-2017-0080 |
| Author | Megan Oakleaf |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
The problems and promise of
learning analytics for increasing
and demonstrating library value
and impact
Megan Oakleaf
iSchool, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to describe the need for academic libraries to demonstrate and
increase their impact of student learning and success. It highlights the data problems present in existing
library value correlationresearch and suggests a pathway to surmountingexisting data obstacles. The paper
advocates the integration of libraries into institutional learning analytics systems to gain access to more
granular student learningand success data. It also suggests using library-infusedlearning analytics data to
discoverand act upon new linkages that may reveal library value in an institutionalcontext.
Design/methodology/approach –The paper describesa pattern pervasivein existing academic library
value correlation research and identifies major data obstacles to future research in this vein. The paper
advocates learning analytics as one route to access more usable and revealing data. It also acknowledges
severalchallenges to the suggested approach.
Findings –This paper describes learninganalytics as it may apply to and support correlation research on
academic libraryvalue. While this paper advocates exploring theintegration of library data and institutional
data via learning analytics initiatives, it also describes four challengesto this approach including librarian
concerns relatedto the use of individual level data, the tension between claims of correlation andcausation in
library value research, the need to develop interoperability standards for library data and organizational
readinessand learning analytics maturity issues.
Originality/value –This paper outlines a path forward for academic library value research that may
otherwisebe stymied by existing data difficulties.
Keywords student learning, library value, academic libraries, student success, learning analytics,
interoperability standards, library impact
Paper type Viewpoint
Throughout higher education, calls for accountability and the demonstration of
effectiveness are ubiquitous. Highereducation institutions are expected to develop students
who achieve learning outcomes, complete programs and degrees, graduate in a timely
manner and enter their communities ready to secure appropriate employment and become
productive citizens. Higher education stakeholders –including students, parents, faculty,
staff, administrators, leaders, governing bodies and community members –demand that
institutions achievethese goals and, at the same time, show evidence of their achievement.
Library impact on student learning and success
As pillars of higher education institutions, academic libraries must also contribute to the
development of student learning and success and provide evidence of that contribution.
Indeed, most librariansacknowledge that their impact on student learningand success is the
key to demonstrating library value within their institutions. As a result, over the past
ILS
119,1/2
16
Received4 August 2017
Revised1 December 2017
Accepted15 December 2017
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.119 No. 1/2, 2018
pp. 16-24
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-08-2017-0080
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