The Power of a Program Logic Model

Abstract

This session will present the program logic model as a method for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating library services and then discuss how such a program logic model supports evidence-based decision-making, value reporting, and advocacy for resources. The session will draw on the presenter’s experience with using and also training others to use logic models, using the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model as an exemplar. Three cases will be presented to evidence the power of a program logic model in different situations: designing a new research professional development support program for faculty librarians and documenting activities and outcomes, developing an implementation plan for a library’s strategic plan and a monitoring strategy and milestones, and documenting an existing library service to reveal the assumed theory of impact and evaluating success relative to existing resources and activities. The presentation will conclude with discussion of challenges faced in using program logic models for planning and evaluation and approaches to overcoming barriers to successful implementation. A presentation at the "Demystifying Statistics and Evaluation in Libraries" Satellite Meeting, organised by the Statistics and Evaluation Section and held at the University of Utrecht in Utrecht, The Netherlands from 17–18 August 2023.