CAPM (Comprehensive Access to Printed Materials)

Abstract(s)

As part of JHU´s CAPM Project (http://ldp.library.jhu.edu/projects/capm), Choudhury led the development of an evaluation methodology using multi-attributed, state-preference techniques. Multi-attribute, stated-preference methods feature choice experiments to gather data for modeling user preferences. In the choice experiments, often expressed as surveys, subjects state which alternatives (services or features) they most prefer; the alternatives are distinguished by their multi-attributes. This approach was used to consider tradeoffs in varying attributes for a specific service of access to materials in an off-site shelving facility. Patrons were asked to choose varying times for delivery, access to images, and ability to search full-text, along with differing (hypothetical) fees for each of the attributes. During the 2002 JISC/CNI Conference, Choudhury mentioned the possibility of integrating the LibQUAL+TM and CAPM assessment methodologies. LibQUAL+TM helps identify gaps in a wide range of library services, but the question of priorities among the gaps is not immediately addressed. The CAPM methodology explicitly explores patrons´ preferences or choices for implementing a particular library service. Given the different, but complementary areas of emphasis and different theoretical underpinnings, there seemed to be potential for an integrated, and more comprehensive, approach. Fundamentally, the `outputs´ from a LibQUAL+TM analysis can provide the `inputs´ for a multi-attribute stated-preference analysis, which acknowledges the need for tradeoffs when making decisions regarding resource allocation. Even with this promising idea, there was arguably too large a difference in the levels of granularity between the two methodologies. Bielefeld´s ProSeBiCA provides the appropriate bridge.