Theory of change: Impact evaluation for information literacy research and practice

This chapter presents an argument for the adoption of the Theory of Change approach to impact evaluation to support information literacy modes of inquiry. There is increasing interest in evaluation of information literacy teaching development and research, and Theory of Change has been shown to provide a useful framework for evaluation. The chapter covers the principles of the design of Theory of Change from its beginnings as an approach to impact evaluation in community development projects, and how it can be used as a participatory and inclusive method to engage stakeholders in articulating the intended outcomes for a project, and how these should be achieved. Examples are provided of the use of Theory of Change to evaluate curriculum development projects and information literacy initiatives in a Higher Education context. The chapter concludes by asserting the value of Theory of Change for providing a standardized and shareable framework for articulating the value of information literacy initiatives.