Contents very solid and practical. But rather dull. ( )

Rhea Rubin’s contribution to the “PLA Results” series, designed to provide “pragmatic information” that can be used to improve any sort of program designed and offered by libraries (p. 11), is essential reading for those trying to document and advocate for the importance of library workplace learning and performance programs. She focuses on measuring outcomes—documenting “the quality and effectiveness of a program…to quantify our users’ success stories” (p. 2)—and takes a common-sense approach—always asking “so what?” in response to what libraries do. Exercises, tool kits, and work forms which can easily be adapted to the design and implementation of training programs and the measurement of their effectiveness serve as a continual reminder that measurement must be built into offerings from the moment those offerings are designed. “Training,” she notes, “is, by definition, an outcome-based activity since the goal is always impact on the trainees; the purpose is to stimulate or contribute to a change” (p. 29). ( )

This book takes a user through a step by step process to evaluate a service that is either in place or being considered. The book is thorough and anyone who works in a library that is facing budget cuts would find this book useful. This book would help a library demonstrate that a program is necessary or not depending upon the outcome.

If you work as a manager in any library, this book would be essential to help with planning and justifying your budget. ( )