Introduction

This chapter introduces the BVI Model. The BVI Model is a cohesive model to provide any memory institution with a useful definition and process of impact assessment. It reflects the broader process of impact assessment and strategic planning. Principles from the BVI Model can be applied in different settings or at a less advanced level. The adoption of the Model challenges organisations to be more evidence based and to investigate the underlying assumptions driving institutional values and strategies.

This chapter will show the underlying assumptions supporting the building of the BVI Model. This focus on understanding assumptions is an essential part of strategic planning for impact. Before embarking, it is vital to bring these assumptions to the surface. In short, some core questions to address are:

• • what to assess

• • why to assess it

• • how to use the intended results

• • the worth of knowing this information.

The BVI Model is a means to structure an activity for the purposes of setting strategic contexts, deciding what to measure and to add purpose, direction and a disciplined approach to the often vague concept of impact. This book argues for defining modes of value for digital culture not solely driven by economics but which contain indicators of other, more intangible values, even including non-use. This balanced approach seeks to show that the digital resource demonstrably made the host organisation grow better, becoming more efficient and effective in reaching its goals, while stakeholders have become more satisfied, finding social, community and educative benefits of tangible worth that enhance society.

Unless there is a clear sense of the purposefulness of impact assessment or of planning to deliver impact, then do not begin yet. An impact assessment process, especially applying the BVI Model, requires time, attention and focus.

Introducing the BVI Model

All impact assumes an intervention. The effect of the intervention is measured against a set of potential beneficiary stakeholder needs. Impact assessment spans both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a focus on measuring change and evaluating the value of that change. As such, impact provides a useful lens through which to consider strategic planning that seeks to achieve measurable change for a community.

The definition of impact offered is the measurable outcomes arising from the existence of a digital resource that demonstrate a change in the life or life opportunities of the community.