RESEARCH

RELIABLE INFORMATION is the BEST FOUNDATION for SOUND DECISIONS¦
The Ivy Group formulates research strategies that ensure you know what you need to know before beginning planning.

We will guide you in selecting the best methodsin person, on the telephone, via the web, or by mail. We staff and manage projects, recruit participants, supervise data collection, prepare executive summaries, and make recommendations.

Focus groups, surveys, community assessments, mystery shoppingIvyLibrary provides tools that enhance customer service, help make smart technology decisions, drive sound planning, and create positive opportunities for raising the library's profile with decision-makers and key populations.

IvyLibrary Research Helps Libraries Exceed Customer Expectations

Reliable information is the best foundation for sound management decisions. IvyLibrary formulates research strategies that ensure your library has the information you need to make decisions about its programs and services. Our library consulting team has collaborated with numerous libraries to solicit input from library users and non-users and will guide you and your strategic planning team in selecting the best methodsâ€”in person, on the telephone, via the web, or by mail.

Focus groups
On-site library interviews
Executive interviews
Community leader interviews
Community telephone surveys
Web-based surveys
Mail surveys
Mystery shopping
Benchmarking

Explore Attitudes. Understand Community Expectations.

Executive interviews provide opportunities for libraries to measure the level of support they can count on from influential members of the community, financial supporters, and elected officials. IvyLibrary senior research associates have significant experience facilitating in-depth conversations on complex issues such as library management, board development and funding. The consulting team is skilled in integrating the information shared by community leaders into planning, research and advocacy initiatives.

Focus groups are an effective way to obtain qualitative and attitudinal information about libraries through the eyes of library users. We develop discussion guides, recruit participants, and facilitate sessions with key market segments including parents of young children, senior citizens, frequent library users, men, and teens. Then, we present a report with an executive summary, analysis, and actionable recommendations.

Well-managed telephone surveys generate quantitative data that provides a solid foundation for community assessments and long-range strategic plans. IvyLibrary's professional interviewers conduct customized surveys with critical library constituencies according to the highest research standards. Ivy will manage your library's research project from beginning to end and lead your staff and board through a thoughtful analysis of the findings and management implications.

For more information, call 1-800-IVY-1250 or contact us.