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Benchmarking Task Force

The charge of the Benchmarking Implementation Task Force is to 1) define and develop outcome measures, 2) evaluate the success of the networking effort, and 3) consult with headquarters staff about the project. The Benchmarking Network was developed as a tool for comparative analysis of library services and resources, to enable identification of best practices and define appropriate statistics for negotiating with administrators. Successful implementation of the Benchmarking Network aligns with several goals of MLA including Professional Development (the developing and promulgating of standards), Advocacy (promoting the roles of librarians to administration), Research (fostering development of infrastructure for research activities), and Information Technology (utilization of MLANET to develop new member services).

Accomplishments since the 2001 MLA Annual Meeting

The Benchmarking Network was open for its first period of data entry from December 13, 2001 through March 1, 2002. There were 385 participants in the Network with representation from all of MLA's chapters. All but approximately 20 entries were from hospital or health system libraries. Specialty libraries in pediatrics, cancer, and mental health were represented. Members of the Task Force reviewed the data and comments for any problems requiring follow-up.

In preparation for the opening of the Network,

the Content Team revised the questionnaire and definitions based on the results of the successful beta test in 2001 as well as input received from Hospital Libraries Section members and the Benchmarking Chapter Educators (BCE's).
Kate Corcoran, Headquarters Liaison, and an outside consultant revised the Web pages and database.
it was decided to switch to the AAHSL model of a finite open data entry period and subsequent evaluation period in order to more accurately assess and utilize the data.
an optional letter of recognition was developed to send to supervisors of Benchmarking Network participants.
the beta data was analyzed and aggregated by Roz Dudden as Chair of the Outcomes Team. The Team developed several scenarios illustrating how the benchmark data can be used.
a presentation of the beta data analysis was mounted on MLANET and used by the BCE's for education and promotion at the Chapter meetings.
a new FAQ and list of Top Ten Things To Do was published on MLANET and distributed by the BCE's.
the BCE's made excellent presentations at the Chapter meetings with assistance from Bernie Todd Smith, Chair of the Education Team. New BCE's were appointed during the year as needed.
updates regarding progress of the BN were published in National Network and the MLA News.

During the open data entry period the BCE's were a constant source of information and encouragement, promoting participation in the BN by creative email messages, special mailings, and communication at consortia meetings. A number of Chapters supported participation in the BN by offering a raffle for a registration to either the 2003 Annual Meeting in San Diego or to their Chapter's local meeting. One Chapter raffled a PDA.

The Outcomes Team is developing composite library reports based on certain demographic parameters such as # of beds, # of FTE's, or # of staff served as well as scenarios utilizing the data to answer specific questions. The Team is also working on the development of criteria for "live" customized reporting.

The Hospital Libraries Section is sponsoring a program session at the Annual Meeting in Dallas to provide an opportunity to report on the Benchmarking Network in detail. The composite library reports will be presented as well as experiences of participant librarians from different size libraries. The composite library reports will be published on MLANET.

The Task Force will continue the evaluation process and discuss future options for the Benchmarking Network regarding access points, customized report products, additional outcome measures, and potential changes to the questionnaire to gather detailed information on key library services.

MOTION

This report is informational and requires no action by the Board of Directors.

Submitted by, Debra C. Rand, Task Force Chair

Task Force Members:

Deborah L. Adams, AHIP
Jacqueline Donaldson Doyle, AHIP
Gretchen A. Hallerberg, AHIP
Janice Kaplan, AHIP
Michael R. Kronenfeld, AHIP
Elizabeth A. Reid, AHIP
James Shedlock, AHIP
Bernie Todd Smith, AHIP
Mary Fran Prottsman, AHIP, CE Liaison
Kate E. Corcoran, Staff Liaison
Ruth Holst, AHIP, Board Liaison
Debra C. Rand, Task Force Chair