Assessment and Continuous Planning: The Key to Transformation at the University of Texas Libraries

Academic libraries are under continued pressure to provide quality services and resources in support of the educational needs of their institutions while experiencing shrinking budgets and calls for greater accountability. Since 2010, the University of Texas at Austin Libraries (“UT Libraries”) has been embedding in its organization a data-driven and data-supported continuous planning process that utilizes the Balanced Scorecard. The collection and analysis of assessment and performance data have been integrated into both the planning and evaluation phases of its strategy development. This article will provide a case study of how UT Libraries is employing assessment activities and continuous planning to transform itself through increased accountability and transparency, while empowering all staff to participate in charting the future of the organization.