University of Glasgow Library used the results from their LibQUAL+® surveys to build a strong case for enhancing the physical spaces in the library. Jacqui Dowd’s article brings attention to how user perceptions of the library’s environment can build support for increased funding. The introduction of LibQUAL+® Lite with fewer questions improves survey response rates and provides solid results. Both the University of Glasgow and Cranfield University in the United Kingdom implemented LibQUAL+® Lite. Selena Killick captures the experience at Cranfield, where they were particularly concerned with the impact of the recent economic downturn on library services and the possible consequential impact on their LibQUAL+® scores. When ARL directors began to discuss what the research library of the 21st century would look like, it became clear that the traditional ARL statistics, and even many of the new measures tools, were not enough to draw the full picture. ARL initiated a process to address this shortcoming, calling on each ARL library to develop a narrative profile that describes their organization. Bill Potter, Colleen Cook, and Martha Kyrillidou provide an overview of this project and discuss how the profiles are being mined to describe the key elements of the 21 st -century research library in addition to providing insights into possible new measures. The “new measures” movement has definitely helped many libraries enhance and strengthen their assessment capacity, but the need to link assessment effectively with organizational priorities remains a challenge. The Balanced Scorecard has been used in the commercial and non-profit sectors for nearly two decades as a strategic management tool. ARL’s new initiative to build a collaborative model for implementing a scorecard in research libraries is also highlighted in this issue. Johns Hopkins, McMaster, University of Virginia, and the University of Washington are among the key players in this pilot effort. In attempting to link strategy and metrics, we have realized that our library assessment toolkit can use a more convincing and richer arsenal in describing value delivered to library users. Lib-Value is an effort funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services that supports collaborative work among the University of Tennessee, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and ARL exploring how we can capture the value of library collections and services in the research, teaching, and learning process. Regina Mays, Carol Tenopir, and Paula Kaufman provide an overview of this three-year project. RLI 271 2 Library Value May Be Proven, If Not Self-Evident ( C O N T I N U E D ) AUGUST 2010 RESEARCH LIBRARY ISSUES: A BIMONTHLY REPORT FROM ARL, CNI, AND SPARC