More Than a Number: Measuring Value and ROI in a Library Microgrant Program

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2018.vol3.1.57

Keywords:

microgrant, return on investment, library assessment, program impact

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify whether the internal microgrant program at the University of Houston Libraries provided a suitable return on investment. This study identified three criteria for assessing return on investment from library microgrants: engagement, continuation, and professional impact. The results indicated that compared to costs for other library outreach programs and events, the amount for the microgrant program is not excessive. However, it resulted in significant participation and impact, with many continuing positive outcomes. Internal microgrant programs offered a positive return on investment for the University of Houston Libraries during the period reviewed. This study will help with the decision-making process of other libraries looking to fund similar programs. It also has implications for assessment in libraries with similar existing programs.

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Author Biographies

  • Melody Condron, University of Houston
    Melody Condron is the resource description and management coordinator at University of Houston. Her research interests include information organization theory, advances in next-generation library systems, personal digital archiving, and cooperative metadata. 
  • Wenli Gao, University of Houston
    Wenli Gao is the data services librarian at University of Houston. Her research interests include data visualization, digital scholarship, and data services.
  • Keith Komos, University of Houston
    Keith Komos is the technical lead at University of Houston. 

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Published

2018-07-17

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2018): Linked Data

Section

Featured Articles

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How to Cite

More Than a Number: Measuring Value and ROI in a Library Microgrant Program. (2018). International Journal of Librarianship, 3(1), 94-103. https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2018.vol3.1.57