Library Assessment

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) collects data biennially from about 3,700 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in order to provide an overview of academic libraries nationwide and by state. An academic library is the library associated with a degree-granting institution of higher education.

StatsQUAL® is a gateway to library assessment tools that describe the role, character, and impact of physical and digital libraries. Through StatsQUAL®, libraries gain access to a number of resources that are used to assess library's effectiveness and contributions to teaching, learning, and research.

The U.S. Census Bureau collects the Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) data for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to provide a comprehensive picture on the status of collections, transactions, staff, service per typical week, and library operating expenditures in post-secondary institutions.

Approved by the ACRL Board of Directors, October 2011 The archived recording of the November 9, 2011, Introduction to the New Standards for Libraries in Higher Education webcast is now available.

Approved by the ACRL Board of Directors, July 1, 2008 Part I Foundations Executive Summary: The Access Entitlement Principle Introduction: A Living Document Definitions Philosophy: A Bill of Rights for the Distance Learning Community Part II Specific Requirements Fiscal Responsibilities Personnel Library Education Management Facilities and Equipment Resources Services Documentation Every student, faculty member, administrator, staff member, or any other member of an institution of higher education, is entitled to the library services and resources of that institution, including direct communication with the appropriate library personnel, regardless of where enrolled or where located in affiliation with the institution.