Review of criteria used to measure library effectiveness.
This article reports the results of a survey of literature on measures of library effectiveness. This survey led to the formulation of six criterion concepts (accessibility, cost, user satisfaction, response time, cost/benefit ratio, and use). The advantages and disadvantages of each method of measurement are discussed. Several points which became clear during the analysis are discussed. First, there is a relative lack of concern with the rationale behind the evaluation process, although the results invariably lead to a confused interpretation when there is no clear understanding of the purpose of an evaluation. Second, the total library system is rarely considered; instead, each evaluation criterion is taken in isolation rather than as part of the whole. Third, the library's preservation function has not been considered at all.
D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007255:Information Services; D007990:Libraries / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000592:standards; D007995:Library Administration; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce