One score on – the past, present and future of measurement at UOW Library
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-09-2014-0103 |
| Date | 09 March 2015 |
| Pages | 201-207 |
| Published date | 09 March 2015 |
| Author | Margie Jantti |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
One score on –the past,
present and future of
measurement at UOW Library
Margie Jantti
University Library, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this case study is to provide an overview of the evolution of performance
measurement at the University of Wollongong (UOW) Library. Through iterative review, a framework
was sought that would enable it to: demonstrate value and impact; better assess the demand and
uptake of services and to evaluate relevance; improve the capture and reporting of continuous
improvement initiatives; create a new narrative for communicating its role and unique contribution to
UOW’s strategic agenda.
Design/methodology/approach –Since 1996, the Performance Indicator Framework (PIF) has been
used to monitor and drive improvement, and to acquire evidence and milestones of success. As the
issues of value and impact emerged in both in assessment theory and practice, it was timely to
critically reassess the capability of the PIF and to optimise its alignment to the Library’s new structure
and strategic focus.
Findings –Initial observations revealed an improved: confidence and independence in team leaders
and managers using the PIF and communicating results and outcomes; ability to illustrate the
interdependencies of processes, activities and projects; narrative for performance reporting.
Practical implications –UOW Library acknowledges limitations in its competency to establish
hard, rigorously tested measures for the indicator “impact”. A key outcome sought from the review
was the formation of a new mind-set; to think differently about performance and outcomes.
The Library was prepared to accept on a pragmatic level, the identification of proxy measures
that could support in some way the narrative and habits that were sought in considering performance
data and outcomes.
Originality/value –This paper fulfils an identified need to challenge how libraries consider their
effectiveness and their value and impact.
Keywords Performance measurement, Performance indicators, Library value and impact
Paper type Case study
Purpose
For decades, university and college libraries have sought to promote and affirm
their worth, value and contribution to the academy. That through engagement
with services and resources, students and the academy receive some form of benefit;
there is an affect or impact from the investment of time and energy with the library
(de Jager, 2002; Neal, 2011; Nitecki and Abels, 2013; Stone and Ramsden, 2013;
Wells, 1995). The capture of data is now commonplace for many academic libraries,
either through integrated library management systems or manual counts or surveys.
These models have typically focussed on inputs, outputs, outcomes and satisfaction
measures and opinions (Hosseini-Ara and Jones, 2013). Back in 2010, University of
Wollongong (UOW) Library (UWL) began to question whether these types of data
and information offered sufficiently persuasive evidence to demonstrate excellence in
the contemporary higher education sector and that outcomes are aligned to the
institution’s aims. What was lacking up until recently, was ongoing valid and reliable
data collection from both library and enterprise systems, which in turn prevented
Library Management
Vol. 36 No. 3, 2015
pp. 201-207
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-09-2014-0103
Received 3 September 2014
Revised 3 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
201
UOW Library
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