The evaluation of Branching Out was carried out by the University of Central England in Birmingham.

The Faculty of Computing, Information and English at the University of Central England in Birmingham was the academic partner in Branching Out. A major aspect of the role of UCE as evaluator was therefore to monitor the personal and professional development of this unique group of librarians, using a variety of methods.

During the first two years of the project, evaluation activities included: an analysis of Branching Out librarians' skills; an investigation of the impact of the project on the personal and professional development of the librarians involved, using themed learning reviews; an evaluation of the Open Ticket and unclassified projects; and interviews with heads of service, to evaluate the wider impact of Branching Out. 

In the third and final year of Branching Out, evaluation included: a continued review of the impact of Branching Out on the librarians involved; a second series of interviews with heads of service to assess the impact of the project on individual authorities; a second skills audit to assess perceived skills development; and two further learning reviews.

Professor Judith Elkin, Dean of the Faculty, was Project Director, and Briony Train, Research Fellow, (now working at Sheffield University) conducted the research. Reader development had been a key aspect of UCE research for some time, and Branching Out offered a unique opportunity to evaluate an exciting, long-term project dedicated to reader development and libraries.

Briony Train, Research Fellow

Click here to download the full evaluation document (Microsoft Word 97-2002 & 6.0/95 - RFT)

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