Libraries are encouraged to use the following outcomes-based method to adopt the Standards:

1. Align with the principles;
2. Identify and select performance indicators that are congruent with their institution’s mission and contribute to institutional effectiveness;
3. Add performance indicators that apply to the specific library (for example, open access initiatives for research libraries, or workforce development support for community colleges);
4. Develop user-centered, measurable outcomes that articulate specifically what the user is able to do as an outcome of the performance indicator;
5. Conduct assessments that may be quantitative, qualitative, or both;
6. Collect data from assessments that demonstrate degree of success; and
7. Use assessment data for continuous improvement of library operations.

Association of Research Libraries. (February 2018.) Standards for libraries in higher education. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/standardslibraries