Emerald | Library Management

Beyond usage: measuring library outcomes and value

Carol Tenopir — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to describe two methods – critical incident and return on investment – that can be used to measure and demonstrate explicit and derived value of academic libraries. Results from several studies that use these methods are described in the context of the Lib-Value project, funded by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services. Design/methodology/approach – A series of surveys using the critical incident of the last article reading by faculty are used to gather information on the purpose, outcomes, and the value of scholarly article readings and access to collections through the library. Both qualitative and quantitative data are collected through web-based surveys. Findings – Over half of scholarly article readings by faculty are for research purposes and readings for research purposes were more likely to be obtained from the library's electronic collections and are valued more highly than readings for other purposes or from other sources. In a study of ROI to grants from the library's journal collections, results show that for every dollar invested in the library faculty attribute many more dollars returned in grant income through more successful grant proposals. Research limitations/implications – Return on investment is one method for measuring the value of a library's collections and services; others include measuring outcomes through critical incident and qualitative “stories”. Ongoing studies will examine how the library's products and services help faculty be successful, help students be successful, and generate both immediate and downstream income that provides good return on investment. Originality/value – This paper highlights methods to measure the value of academic libraries as well as reporting findings from several studies that reflect changes in scholarly article readings over time. This type of research helps libraries demonstrate their value and gather evidence to choose from among alternatives.

Developing a writing group for librarians: the benefits of successful collaboration

Kathy Campbell, Mark Ellis, Leslie Adebonojo — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Research productivity is often counted as a major factor in evaluations and promotion. Librarians have had to find a way to pursue research along with performing job duties and professional service. Collaborative research can provide an effective solution for busy librarians who need to show a record of research. Additionally, it can be a cost-effective means for library administrators to promote library faculty output in the face of reduced travel and research budgets. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In developing their research group, the authors began with a small, informal collaboration on an article describing new staffing models for library outreach. As the writing of the article proceeded, the group developed a more formal structure. As that article reached completion, the purpose of the group expanded to that of fostering creativity and following creative leads to a publishable (or presentable) conclusion. Findings – In the two years during which the writing group has been working together, it has produced four articles and nine presentations, with several in-progress efforts. In addition, the writing group has encouraged members to develop individual projects for presentation and publication outside of the group's scope. Practical implications – The authors offer recommendations to other professionals interested in forming collaborative writing groups and to library administrators interested in encouraging their staffs to develop productive working relationships. Originality/value – Few articles have been written about collaboration among librarians to promote their own research and publication. The authors describe in this paper an informal, yet highly effective means to foster faculty research productivity.

Conducting meetings in the change process: Approaches of academic library directors in the United States

Zhixian Yi — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine how academic library directors conducted meetings in the change process and the factors influencing the approaches used. Design/methodology/approach – Bolman and Deal's reframing change model provided the foundation for this research. An online survey was sent to 1,010 academic library directors in the USA. The response rate was 59 percent. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The collected quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (binary and multinomial logistic regressions). Findings – Most directors used multiple approaches to conduct meetings in the change process. The structural and human resource approaches were the most frequent single approaches. Regression analysis confirms that demographics, human capital, and library variables play significant roles in conducting meetings. Research limitations/implications – Data in this study were collected from directors in libraries of doctoral granting, master-granting, and baccalaureate-only colleges, and universities. Accordingly, the results of the study might not be generalized to college and university libraries outside this classification. Practical implications – This paper provides a useful overview of the approaches used to conduct meetings in the change process and the factors influencing the approaches used. Originality/value – Directors may use the results to reflect on different options of the strategies for conducting meetings in the change process and balance the weight of the factors' influences. The results may also help librarians better understand various approaches to conducting meetings in the change process.

The Library School: empowering the sustainable innovation capacity of new librarians

M.E. Bitter-Rijpkema, S. Verjans, R. Bruijnzeels — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Dramatic changes in the role and position of public libraries require a fundamental reconsideration of professional development programs for library professionals. This paper seeks to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach – This Dutch case study describes an innovative academic professional learning programme and its development through a process of intensive stakeholder consultation and co-creation. Findings – Market analysis and stakeholder consultation revealed that traditional professional development programs are not sufficient, and that an innovative learning approach is needed to accommodate professionals in the current disruptive context. Through intensive co-creation between academics and library stakeholders, a learning approach was developed that combines workplace learning, networked learning and distance learning with intensive inspirational face-to-face sessions, merging formal and informal learning. A first batch of professionals has just started the programme that centres around four main themes that deal with the current challenges for public libraries: changes in society, culture, organisation and technology. Each theme is integrated into the main learning stream of collectively developing new librarianship. Practical implications – The Library School learning approach is expected to be suitable for many sectors that deal with continuous professional development. Social implications – Society in the twenty-first century requires innovative approaches to continuous professional development. Close collaboration between universities and professional stakeholders can lead to sector-wide commitment and thus create added value for all parties involved and for society as a whole. Originality/value – A co-creative development process has led to an innovative learning approach for continuous professional development. This paper is of value to professional development departments, learning providers and human resource managers.

New cost accounting models in measuring of library employees' performance

Kate-Riin Kont — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The current article aims to give an overview of how the new cost accounting models, such as activity-based costing (ABC) and time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) are researched and adapted by university libraries, focusing on the methods used for measuring work time allocation as well as on the strengths and weaknesses of both models. Design/methodology/approach – The data used in this paper are based on reviewing and summarizing of relevant studies which were conducted in libraries inspired by the ideas of modern theoretical considerations and treatments relating to cost accounting and costing, originally developed for industry and private sector organizations. Findings – The implementation of cost accounting systems in libraries has historically been treated as a technical innovation rather than an organizational or management innovation. The most important consideration is that librarians are not machines, which can be set at a given speed and expected to produce a uniform product. It turns out that the results of such research are largely affected by what methods are used to identify the time spent on activities and how well the management of libraries or researchers were able to explain to the staff the necessity for such research. Originality/value – Besides the articles published so far dealing with the implementation of ABC and TDABC in libraries, no research or surveys focus on these issues from the perspective of employees.

The concept of user satisfaction in archival institutions

Burcak Senturk — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The customer is one of the most important elements which lie at the center of service organizations. Moreover, the customer is of strategic importance in directing the service process and determining a final decision on this matter. Therefore, numerous studies have been carried out about the customer, in particular focusing on customer satisfaction. Archival institutions provide information and records services. As service organizations, the customers of archival institutions can be defined as those who make use of the archival institutions for the purpose of research. In this context, the term customer or user is also of importance for archival institutions, and thus, different strategies, methods and techniques should be developed and used in archival institutions to achieve and maintain user satisfaction. This paper aims to put strategies for archival institutions in order to provide user satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – In this research paper, the concept of user satisfaction in archival organizations is discussed as follows: 60 users of the Ottoman Archives were interviewed in order to determine the satisfaction norms of the archives users. A special survey was created for this process. With the answers that were provided in this survey, it was possible to determine the satisfaction criteria for the users of the Ottoman Archives. Finally, by using the satisfaction criteria, the “Satisfaction norms of archives users” were developed. Findings – The concept of user satisfaction in archival organizations is emphasized in this study; in addition “Satisfaction norms of archives users”, which are essential for the satisfaction of the users, have been determined. Originality/value – The paper recommends that archival institutions should consider different variables to gain user satisfaction and in this study, specific norms for archival institutions are produced.

Thinking beyond quality: meeting the challenges of reliability analysis in library management

P.A. Kostagiolas — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The role of a reliability analysis for improving the performance of libraries and information services has become extremely crucial. The research question considered here is simple and can be summarized as follows: “How reliable is your library?”. Indeed, reliability considerations go beyond the issue of quality since they incorporate the dimension of time, i.e. they involve a number of different activities and operations that take place throughout the life-cycle of a library system or service. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Inference modelling techniques based on both parametric and nonparametric methods are reviewed and presented together with illustrative examples. From a wide number of non-parametric methods that have been made available for reliability estimation, the ones examined here are the Kaplan-Meier and the Cumulative-hazard methods. Furthermore, parametric methods and applications, which are based on the Weibull distributional model, are examined. Findings – The nonparametric reliability modelling methods presented are simple to use and suitable for estimating the reliability of information systems and services directly from the available life data. The Weibull analysis is quite useful for a wide range of library management methods, financial applications, for modelling user behaviour within many library settings and systems i.e. digital information systems. Originality/value – This is among the first implementations of reliability analysis in libraries and information services. This paper provides essential insight to library management researchers and practitioners on how they might incorporate into the library management agenda reliability considerations. The reliability modelling techniques presented can be employed with all types of information services, and not just libraries.

The relationship between academic library usage and educational performance in Kuwait

Awadh Alharbi, Michael Middleton — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine perceptions of university library usage to consider factors that influence educational achievement of academic library users. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses validated questionnaires from 792 students, 143 academics and 121 administrators to measure five library factors. Three university libraries, which are based in Kuwait, were included in the questionnaire data. Findings – The study found that only a minority of library users' educational achievement improves through library usage. The findings were lower than expected prior to completing the study. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the study is that it did not include library staff as participants during questionnaires and interviews. Originality/value – The study adds to the current literature of research based in Kuwait, and is one of the first studies to use private university libraries for quantitative study purposes. This study introduces an entirely new academic library evaluation tool called the Factors of Academics Library Usage (FALU).

A joint university library: vision and reality

Christina Flemming — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse a Finnish model of cooperation between universities – a joint university library. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a case study. The vision for the joint university library Tritonia, the reality when the libraries of three universities merged in 2001 and the new merging in 2010, when two more universities joined the library cooperation, is discussed. Key factors of quality management in a joint bilingual library are analysed. Findings – The synergetic effects of such a library are numerous when it comes to: the access to printed collections; the role of the library as a social place and meeting spot for students, staff and the public; the available services; and the networking between languages and universities. No synergetic effects have so far been achieved when it comes to e-resources. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on experiences of one joint library. Practical implications – The paper presents an existing model for cooperation in a joint multilingual library. Originality/value – The paper focuses on a new model of library cooperation between universities.

Polish-Norwegian cooperation on strategies for regional libraries

Arne Gundersen, Magadalena Kubecka — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to report on a bilateral project including Polish and Norwegian library institutions which intended to produce new strategic plans for the 18 regional libraries in Poland, while at the same time build fruitful cultural connections between the two countries. Design/methodology/approach – The project was based on workshops in Poland for strategy development and exchange of experience, on a study visit to Norway for Polish library staff, and consultations on draft strategies. Findings – Whereas the Norwegian partners benefited mostly by the project experience itself, by insight into Polish society and culture, and by observing their own libraries through the eyes of their counterparts, the Polish participants have a more tangible result in the shape of new strategic documents and with a closer network of regional libraries. Originality/value – The paper presents an example of how several major library institutions in two countries can benefit from each other through project cooperation.

Merging publishers' and libraries' institutional interests through business modelling

Oliver Braet — 2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to demonstrate how a business modeling approach can assist in finding a compromise between public actors (libraries) and private actors (book publishers). Design/methodology/approach – Information was gathered during a cycle of several group workshops with both public and private stakeholders, where conclusions on the structure and components of the most suitable business model were iteratively refined. Findings – Value networks with correctly defined business roles on different organisational layers were constructed for all involved private and public partners. The precise location and role of the Flemish E-book Platform as a neutral broker between these stakeholders was described in detailed fashion. Research limitations/implications – The findings could be limited to the local situation of Flanders, where for example each city is forced by decree to invest in a local public library. The relatively small size of the Dutch language area and its associated book publishing industry might contain elements of irreproducability of the findings. Practical implications – The conclusions of this research played a significant role in the pre-commercial phase of the platform, since the constructed business model served as input for the procurement of technical modules in the next phase. The advice on the appropriate business roles had a direct impact on the technical functionalities that need to be developed. The decision to not allow the platform to directly interact with end-users, and to leave customer ownership with libraries or bookstores, is a direct consequence of the conclusions. Social implications – This research takes into account the interests of both private and public actors, allowing for a continued role of public value creation for government-funded libraries in the coming age of digital book distribution. Originality/value – The paper offers a new methodological toolkit to practitioners from the book publishing industry and the public library sphere to offer a future route to shared value.

Being an Information Innovator

2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

The New Graduate Experience: Post-MLS Residency Programs and Early Career Librarianship

2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Managing Information Services: A Sustainable Approach

2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

Public Libraries and Social Justice

2011-12-30 00:00:00.0

2011 Awards for Excellence

2011-12-30 00:00:00.0