Measuring and evaluating the library's contribution to organisational success: Developing a strategic measurement model

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine three types of measurement and evaluation currently used in the special library environment and to identify the relationships that must exist between the individual measurement processes to enable holistic and strategic evaluations of special libraries to take place.

Design/methodology/approach

Looks at how responsible measurement and evaluation within the context of the special (corporate, government, hospital, etc.) library must reflect the ways in which the library uses its resources (budget, staff, buildings, collections, technology, equipment), how well it delivers its services and how well it satisfies its clients now and into the future.

Findings

If these measurements and evaluations are to be understood, respected, supported and valued by management, it is also necessary to take it one step further and include the ways in which the information provided through the library services supports the achievement of organisational objectives. One needs to measure how well the services are seamlessly integrated into workflows, how they are prioritised according to their importance and how closely aligned they are with the strategic goals and objectives of the organisation.

Originality/value

May mean a change of mindset on the part of the library managers to enable them to let go of the traditional services and resources and to approach service development and improvement with a strategic view.

Citation

Henczel, S. (2006), "Measuring and evaluating the library's contribution to organisational success: Developing a strategic measurement model", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 7-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678040610654819