Public Libraries and Performance Indicators: Origins, Developments and Issues

Abstract

The political background in the United Kingdom leading to the development of performance indicators for public libraries is discussed. Corporate planning and value for money models are examined. A survey is reported of Scottish public library authorities and their use of performance indicators in relation to planning, budgeting and evaluation, and the development of public library objectives in Scotland is outlined. The major problems in applying performance measures to public libraries are considered.

Citation

Midwinter, A. and McVicar, M. (1990), "Public Libraries and Performance Indicators: Origins, Developments and Issues", Library Review, Vol. 39 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242539010003506