What is the quality in your quantity? Library development assessment should look beyond mere numbers

Abstract

Purpose

To outline the potential hazards of a purely numerical approach to evaluating development professionals and development programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative paper outlining various means used to assess a library development program.

Findings

Library development assessment that utilizes quantitative analysis alone without substantive analysis of the underlying numbers will likely yield incorrect conclusions.

Originality/value

Practical suggestions for utilizing qualitative techniques when assessing a library development program or development professional.

Citation

Noel Jennings, K. (2007), "What is the quality in your quantity? Library development assessment should look beyond mere numbers", The Bottom Line, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 125-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880450710825842