Best value in public libraries: the role of research
| Pages | 456-465 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120010347928 |
| Published date | 01 December 2000 |
| Date | 01 December 2000 |
| Author | Barbara Chivers,Stella Thebridge |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Best value in public
libraries: the role of
research
Barbara Chivers and
Stella Thebridge
1. Introduction
The Library and Information Commission
(LIC) funded the Developing Research in
Public Libraries (DRIPL) project (1997-
1999) which reviewed research activity and
attitudes to research and to its dissemination.
The review was conducted by means of
interviews with managers in 46 public library
authorities across the UK during 1998. The
data were supplemented by views expressed at
two study schools (each lasting two days and
held in Birmingham) which examined the
sharing of research, and participants at a
series of three-day courses, and an open
learning course on research skills for public
librarians, all of which formed part of the
project. The project data relating to best value
are summarised here, and updated by
reference to best value activity described in
recent articles and papers in the professional
press.
In 1998, some project interviewees were
involved with best value processes as pilot
authorities, and others were preparing for its
inception, as the following comments show:
Best value will require more consumer research
and consultation.
We don't use research enough. Best value will be
driving it forward and we will have to do it.
Service planning and best value are being thrust
upon us whether we like it or not. You cannot
ignore the need for research and the benefit of
sharing research.
1.1 Best value in context
The current UK Government's commitment
to the principles of best value has been loudly
proclaimed since its election in 1997. Best
value was conceived as a replacement for the
previous government's practice of compulsory
competitive tendering by endorsing the
principle of private sector provision within
public services, yet removing the
``compulsory'' label. The emphasis moved
away from confrontation towards partnership,
and represented the new government's wish
for ``joined-up thinking'', encouraging council
departments to work together and also across
boundaries with national government and the
private sector (Liddle, 1999a).
Keith Fletcher, writing from the perspective
of a social scientist, summarises the difficulty
managers have encountered with the essence
of best value. He offers a best value mission
statement:
The authors
Barbara Chivers is Senior Lecturer, School of Information
Studies, University of Central England in Birmingham,
Birmingham, UK.
Stella Thebridge is Researcher, Centre for Information
Research, University of Central England in Birmingham,
Birmingham, UK.
Keywords
Public libraries, Quality management, Planning,
Research methodology
Abstract
Public libraries, in common with other local government
services, are obliged to obtain best value by striving for
customer service of the highest quality and greatest
efficiency. This article draws on data gathered from the
Developing Research in Public Libraries (DRIPL) project,
which shows how an understanding of research methods
is increasingly required by public library managers to
move services forward in strategic and operational terms.
Following a description of the principles of best value,
research areas are indicated which contribute to the
achievement of best value in public libraries. The article
notes areas where research could usefully be incorporated
and shared more widely, and suggests publicly available
resources which could be used by managers for
performance measurement and user consultation.
Electronic access
The research register for this journal is available at
http://www.mcbup.com/research_registers/lm.asp
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emerald-library.com
456
Library Management
Volume 21 .Number 9 .2000 .pp. 456±465
#MCB University Press .ISSN 0143-5124
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