Facilitate CUL assessment and usability efforts. Serve as CUL’s user assessment information resource and clearinghouse, providing guidance and coordination for user surveys, and use and usability studies. Identify user assessment-related training needs and opportunities. Identify assessment and usability efforts within the system.  Communicate with and work in collaboration with the Research and Assessment Services Department on usability and user assessment. Coordinate the development of relevant policies for submission through PSEC for CUL approval.  Advise PSEC on user assessment needs and methods. Contribute to overall public service priorities for assessment through specific tasks as assigned by PSEC. Ensure communication across CUL on assessment and usability issues. Monitor and promote developments in assessment and usability within the profession.

Membership:

A mix of predominately, but not solely public services staff with expertise in, responsibility for, and an interest in assessment and a member of the Research and Assessment Services Department. Members will serve two-year staggered appointments.

Relevant Public Services Goals for 2005/2006

Review recommendations of User and Systems Assessment Working Group in light of this strategic planning process; support and implement revised recommendations.

Identify and inventory staff skills within the system that support library-wide public services

Sponsor a research project to determine the value and requirements for creating a CUL Gateway Express that combines simplified access to information and services with librarian recommendations for novice users. This project will be guided by a user assessment based on the information needs of incoming freshman.