We can count’em … but do they count?

We can count’em … but do they count?
Challenges in assessing ROI from information services

"A panel of special librarians will share their real-world experiences."

Attributed to Einstein and Drucker, variations on “not everything we measure is significant, and what is significant may be impossible to measure” apply to assessing the return on investment of funds and time – in the latter case both on the part of information center staff and knowledge workers using the information center.  The pressure to demonstrate ROI and ROTI has produced a sizeable body of literature, yet it seems library and information centre managers still struggle to measure the “right” activity indicators and assess the contribution those activities and associated investments are making to the organization’s strategic goals. Ulla de Stricker shares observations and caveats from her experience with strategic assessments and planning for knowledge centric entities and suggests basic guidelines for presenting ROI-type information to organization managers.

Where: Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch (Auditorium), 120 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, ON K1P 5M2
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Cost:

• CLA Members:  $20
• Personal Members of other professional associations: $25
• Non-members $30
• Students:
  - CLA Student Members : $10
  - Student non-members: $15
  

Register by sending your name and membership/student status to: rsvp@caslisottawa.on.ca.  If you require a receipt for this event please include a request with your RSVP before October 26.

Speaker's Biography:
Through a successful career holding senior positions in the information industry, Ulla developed extensive expertise in knowledge and information management. She established her consulting practice in 1992 and leverages her experience to assist a wide range of clients in strategic planning projects. An accomplished public speaker, Ulla is a frequent contributor to the professional literature and to conferences.

Born and raised in Copenhagen, Ulla studied in Jerusalem, New York, and Montreal, receiving Masters degrees in American Literature and Library and Information Science.

http://www.destricker.com/