Adding value: getting to the heart of the matter
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of adding value and in particular to suggest ways in which libraries can add even more value than they do so now.
Design/methodology/approach
With this primarily a literature review combined with some examples of ways in which some libraries are adding value in new and interesting ways. This paper seeks to extend the work of Robert Taylor who developed a Value-Added Model.
Findings
Libraries must find new ways to add value to their collections and services as competitors continue to introduce convenient services that are drawing people away from libraries. The ways in which a library might add new value have been grouped into five broad categories: community, content, context, collaboration, or co-creation and connection. Each category is discussed in some detail and examples are provided to illustrate possibilities.
Originality/value
Exploring ways in which libraries can add value in the life of their customers must become a topic of conversation for librarians everywhere. The mandate to change is ever present and libraries need to introduce new and innovative services that add real value.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is an updated version of a presentation at the 10th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services, July 22-25, 2013, The Royal York Hotel, York, UK.
Citation
Matthews, J. (2013), "Adding value: getting to the heart of the matter", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 162-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/PMM-08-2013-0024
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited