Performance measurement methods at academic libraries in Oman

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate measurement methods that are in use in various aspects of academic libraries in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework of the research was built to explore various steps of conceptualizing, collecting, analyzing data, and reporting results. Data gathered through in‐depth interviews with participants represented different management levels. The analysis process utilized content analysis to shape the relationship between categories that were subjected to formulate knowledge.

Findings

Results show that all libraries have used one method or more in evaluating the progress of their services, and the performance of their staff members. These include: surveys; reports; KPIs; statistics; and interviews, in addition to appraisal forms which are used for staff evaluation. Alongside internal evaluation by librarians, an external evaluation by OAC and other international bodies took place in some libraries.

Research limitations/implications

The research was challenged by great differences in history, size, and infrastructure between the institutions, which had affected the selection of the research population. Moreover, reports and statistics which existed in some libraries could not provide the necessary data, which forced the researcher to depend on the data gathered from respondents in building the research knowledge.

Originality/value

This study aims to fill part of the gap which exists in measurement processes of information services, as it is the first study shedding light on evaluation methods in academic libraries in Oman.

Citation

Zahran Al Hijji, K. and Cox, A.M. (2012), "Performance measurement methods at academic libraries in Oman", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 183-196. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678041211284722