Assessing outcomes and value: it’s all a matter of perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a wide range of performance measures, while acknowledging that of late, outcome measures have become increasingly important. Several initiatives are underway to develop a broad framework and suggest approaches to developing outcome measures for all types of libraries. However, while outcomes may be increasingly used, determining the value of a specific outcome is complicated by the reality that value is determined by a combination of perspective and each individual experiencing a specific library service.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature about outcomes and determining the value of outcomes as a foundation for exploring these two inter-related issues – outcomes and value.

Findings

The findings of a number of reports and studies are reported.

Originality/value

Separating the question of identifying the outcomes associated with library services and the value of these outcomes are shaped by the perspective of value and determining value will assist libraries in attempting to measure the impact of the services they provide.

Citation

Matthews, J. (2015), "Assessing outcomes and value: it’s all a matter of perspective", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 211-233. https://doi.org/10.1108/PMM-10-2015-0034