Assessment of Learning during Library Instruction: Practices, Prevalence, and Preparation

Library instruction serves a critical function in the operation of the contemporary academic library environment. Librarians are asked to provide instruction and information literacy training using a range of tools and modes of delivery. The current literature presents an array of instruments used for assessing student learning and for delivering instruction. However, there is little consensus about best practices for assessment of both student learning and assessment of the instruction itself. In addition, a few studies have investigated how librarians are prepared for conducting assessment exercises. Therefore, this research presents the results of a nation‐wide survey of practices of assessment and preparation for assessment. The results provide a state‐of‐the-art description of the prevalence of instruction librarians, the types of assessments they conduct, and the methods by which they learn assessment skills and tools. Implications for instruction librarians, administrators, and educators are provided.