Capturing the contribution of subject librarians. Applying strategy maps and balanced scorecards to liaison work
| Date | 09 March 2015 |
| Published date | 09 March 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-09-2014-0101 |
| Pages | 223-234 |
| Author | Sheila Corrall |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Capturing the contribution
of subject librarians
Applying strategy maps and balanced
scorecards to liaison work
Sheila Corrall
School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The strategic contribution of subject librarians as information specialists in the digital
world has been questioned by institutional administrators, but others have identified expanded roles
and new opportunities in learning and research support. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the
application of Kaplan and Norton’s strategic management system of balanced scorecards and strategy
maps to subject librarianship in universities, with particular reference to the intellectual capital
represented and created in the structures, relationships, and know-how of liaison work.
Design/methodology/approach –A literature review was used to define established and emergent
roles, responsibilities and skillsets of subject librarians, including their reach beyond the library. A web
site survey investigated goals, actions, and values related to liaison work in UK library strategies.
Data were analyzed thematically to develop an exemplar map and assess its potential for evaluating
the contribution of subject librarians.
Findings –Core functions continue, with expanded scope and competencies. Collaboration and
integrated services are key trends for mapping. Liaison work is poorly documented in existing
strategies. Preliminary results suggest that strategy maps can be used to illustrate the strategic
contribution of subject librarians.
Research limitations/implications –The paper reports the early stages of a multi-phase project.
The results are limited to the conceptual phase. The next phase will explore the development of both
maps and balanced scorecards via case studies in different countries.
Originality/value –There are few examples of library applications of strategy maps and balanced
scorecards at unit or program level, and none with a focus on the intangible assets of subject librarians.
Keywords Library assessment, Intellectual capital, Balanced scorecard, Intangible assets,
Liaison librarians, Strategy maps
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Librarians in all sectors have become more intent on understanding and
communicating the value of what they do, particularly as a result of the global
economic downturn, and especially in the higher education sector, where notable work
on methodologies, tools, and techniques for demonstrating value and impact has been
sponsored in the USA and UK by organizations such as the Association of College &
Research Libraries, Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Institute of Museum and
Library Services, Research Information Network, Research Libraries UK (RLUK) and
Sage Publications (Bowlby, 2011; Creaser and Spezi, 2012; Mays et al., 2010; Oakleaf,
2010; RLUK and RIN, 2011). Subject liaison librarians have traditionally formed a
significant proportion of the professional staff in an academic library (Pinfield,
2001), thus representing a substantial financial commitment by the institution,
and the expectations of the role within and beyond the library are being ramped up in
Library Management
Vol. 36 No. 3, 2015
pp. 223-234
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-09-2014-0101
Received 1 September 2014
Revised 1 September 2014
Accepted 26 September 2014
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
223
Capturing the
contribution of
subject
librarians
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