Assessment, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance in Education: A Librarianship Perspectives

Abstract

This study examined the role of assessment, evaluation, and quality assurance (QA) in improving higher education from a librarianship perspective, with emphasis on the contributions of academic librarians and libraries to institutional quality assurance in selected higher education institutions in South-West Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated how assessment, evaluation, and quality assurance improve higher education, explored the roles of academic librarians in assessment and evaluation, examined the contributions of academic libraries to quality assurance, and identified the challenges limiting librarians' effective participation. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 120 respondents, comprising academic librarians, library managers, administrators, faculty members, and quality assurance officers, was selected through multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The instruments were validated by experts, while a pilot study established a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.80. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that assessment, evaluation, and quality assurance significantly improve teaching effectiveness, institutional accountability, and continuous quality improvement. Academic librarians contribute to institutional evaluation through research metrics, library statistics, repository data, and accreditation support, while academic libraries strengthen quality assurance through research support, information literacy programmes, and user-centered services. However, inadequate funding, poor technological infrastructure, insufficient professional development, and limited institutional recognition constrain librarians' participation. The study concludes that academic libraries are strategic partners in institutional quality assurance and recommends stronger institutional support, increased funding, enhanced ICT infrastructure, continuous capacity building, and greater integration of librarians into assessment, evaluation, accreditation, and quality assurance processes.