assessing something which has only a long term impact

[Jenn Riley]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to start a small project that has us investing in some alternative models for doing things in libraries/the academy that are likely to take many years to pay off. I'm looking for some clever models for ways to do assessment in the short term that can convince us it's still worth it to continue to invest, or to adjust our strategy as we go along. Any ideas on where I might look for inspiration? I'm convinced that I need to be reading about some models outside of libraries – thoughts on some productive areas to scour?

Thanks!

Jenn

-----------------------------------

Jenn Riley

Associate Dean, Digital Initiatives | Vice Doyenne, Initiatives numériques

McGill University Library | Bibliothèque Université McGill

3459 McTavish Street | 3459, rue McTavish

Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 0C9 | Montréal (QC) Canada  H3A 0C9

(514) 398-3642

jenn....@mcgill.ca

[Jody L. DeRidder]

What comes to mind for me is the field of records management.   They have to justify funding and support constantly, and what they are doing only pays off when someone actually needs the old records.  They cast their sales pitch in terms of what is at risk, and what would be the cost if they did NOT do what they do.  For example, if the company was taken to court, and failed to have the documents to verify that what they had done at some point was in fact legal:  the company would bear tremendous legal costs and potentially would be ruined.

It's all in how you frame your case.

Can you say more about the type of project you're considering?  

---
Jody L. DeRidder
Head, Digital Services
University of Alabama Libraries
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone: 205.348.0511


"Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality." --Jonas Salk

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