To read this content please select one of the options below:

What business are we in? Value added services, core business and national library performance

Judith Broady‐Preston (Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK)
Wendy Swain (Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK)

Performance Measurement and Metrics

ISSN: 1467-8047

Article publication date: 29 June 2012

2454

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report results of a research project which investigated how two UK National libraries categorise their core business purpose together with an assessment of the role and relevance of additional (or value‐added) services in their strategic thinking, future planning and performance measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative interpretive study, using a collective case study methodology, with the National Libraries of Wales and Scotland as the core cases. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior managers in both institutions, together with focus groups with librarians and library assistants, selected using purposive sampling. All instruments were piloted; data from the respondents were recorded, coded, classified and cross‐checked to ensure validity and rigour, using themed interview schedules to facilitate analysis.

Findings

It is difficult to be definitive as to core and additional services as individuals have differing interpretations of the terms. Changing customer demands and expectations, technological developments and the impact of a dynamic and complex economic environment suggest it is more meaningful to reconceptualise services according to the extent to which they contribute to achieving basic business purpose at any one time.

Originality/value

Libraries must demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness in service provision, and in relation to achieving primary purpose and resource priorities in order to survive. Examining the relevance of defining and distinguishing core and added‐value services in relation to performance assessment and strategic vision addresses a gap in existing knowledge.

Keywords

Citation

Broady‐Preston, J. and Swain, W. (2012), "What business are we in? Value added services, core business and national library performance", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 107-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678041211241323

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles