A measurable result or change in patron knowledge, skills, or behavior resulting from a library program or service is called what?

• A. Outcome
• B. Benchmark
• C. Formative Evaluation
• D. Curriculum

Answer: (A)

Outcomes capture the observable changes in patrons' knowledge, skills, or behavior that come from running a library program or service. This is why the correct choice is the measurable result you’re looking for—the impact the program has on participants. Outputs, like how many people attended or how many resources were distributed, describe activity rather than effect. A benchmark is a standard used for comparison, not the change itself. Formative evaluation is the process of gathering feedback during the program’s design or implementation to improve it, not the final impact. Curriculum refers to the planned content and learning goals, not the actual change after participation. So the measurable result described fits the idea of an outcome.