Worked Example of the Planning and Evaluation Process

Step 5 - Analysing Evidence

1: Outcome

 

The difference you are planning to make for young people using your service

Young people feel that the library is a key space for them

Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs):

  1. Knowledge and understanding: increased awareness of library facilities and provision
  2. Increase in skills: improved social skills
  3. Change in attitudes and values: change in attitudes towards libraries and library staff
  4. Enjoyment, inspiration and creativity: evidence of exploration and experimentation, having fun, being surprised
  5. Progression: modified behaviour and activity

2: Evidence of Impact

 

Changes in readers´ behaviour, competence and attitudes which show that this difference is happening
  • Young people investigate books, magazines and other services
  • Young people want to continue meeting with other members of the group at the library
  • Young people enter readily into discussion with library staff
  • Young people take part in and instigate new activities
  • Young people borrowing more books from the library

3: Service Activity

 

The activities and service features you put in place to help achieve your chosen outcome
  • Make available a time and space in the library, outside normal opening hours, for young people to meet
  • Provide activities to increase skills and awareness, e.g. book and magazine discussions, IT sessions
  • Staff training in encouraging young people’s participation and involvement
  • Develop partnerships with relevant agencies working with young people

4: Collecting the Evidence

 

The systems you put in place to collect evidence of changes for readers – to see if you are achieving your outcome
  • Observation of group of young people by library staff and youth workers.
  • Project diary recording details of each meeting, including actions taken and comments made by young people.
  • Quantitative records: of book issues, of numbers of young people wanting sessions to continue

5: Analysing Evidence

Organising and examining the evidence: what does it tell you?

 
  • Evidence of increased knowledge and understanding: one participant was taught about library shelving systems, and was pleased to be able to put a book away in the correct place. Other participants were surprised to find what they considered to be unusual books (‘The Preacher’) in the library
  • Evidence of improved social skills: One participant was known to youth services staff as disruptive; she took part in the session quietly and co-operatively, making a positive effort to contribute to the group
  • Evidence of change in attitudes and feelings: "we like going to sessions because the staff are friendly and just chat to us as people" – quote from two participants. Others have started talking to staff about their readings, and ask them for advice. This was a notable change from the early sessions
  • Evidence of progression: Library staff observed that members of the group attended the library more regularly, and took part in other library activities. Graphic novels were specifically targeted for this group, and issues of these increased by 40%
  • Evidence of enjoyment: Participants suggested setting up a Myspace site for the library and the sessions. Participants specifically asked for sessions to continue – over 60% intend to keep attending

6: Using the Evidence