The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Research Library Impact Framework (RLIF) pilot initiative, established in 2019, has released its final report, Building a Community of Assessment. The report details the research projects, findings, and lessons learned conducted under the pilot phase of this framework. It also includes information about the framework itself as a means to explore and learn about research library impacts. Finally, the report identifies next steps and potential considerations for any future implementation.
The RLIF provides a structure to examine library services, operations, impact, and alignment with institutional mission and goals across four critical areas: Research and Scholarly Life Cycle; Teaching, Learning, and Student Success; Collections; and Physical Space. The full framework includes 185 potential research questions across these critical areas. However, the framework is also meant to be flexible and modular, allowing for modifications and adjustments based on salient issues facing research libraries. In this way, the framework serves as a tool to organize and prioritize research efforts.
The Research Library Impact Framework initiative (LG-18-19-0092) was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of IMLS.
To cite
Baughman, Sue, Ava Brillat, Gordon Daines, Greg Davis, Stephanie JH McReynolds, and Margaret Roller. Building a Community of Assessment: Final Report of the Research Library Impact Framework Pilot Initiative. With an executive summary by Kevin Borden. Washington, DC: Association of Research Libraries, March 10, 2023. https://doi.org/10.29242/report.rlif2023.
