The Necessity of Measurement

ABSTRACT

Measurement of library systems and services is a multidimensional management task. New paradigms of library service and the context in which libraries operate have made it necessary for librarians to find new measures while at the same time keeping the old. Factors that can be measured, such as needs, inputs, quality processes, outputs, quality of service, outcomes, and impacts, are described. This bibliographic essay covers the current trends while leading readers to resources where they can learn more.

KEYWORDS:

• Assessment
• benchmarking
• evaluation
• impact
• measurement
• outcome
• quality improvement

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Cheryl R. Dee ([email protected]), Linda Garr Markwell ([email protected]), Jane Bridges ([email protected]), and Margaret Bandy ([email protected]).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rosalind Farnam Dudden

Rosalind Farnam Dudden, MLS, DM=AHIP, FMLA is Library Services Director, Gerald Tucker Memorial Medical Library, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206.