Developing a Measure of Library Goodness

• Main Author: Gregory A. Crawford
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Alberta 2016-09-01
• Series: Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
• Subjects: libraries; management; measurement; goodness; quality; value
• Online Access: https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/23875

A Review of: Orr, R. H. (1973). Measuring the goodness of library services: A general framework for considering quantitative measures. Journal of Documentation, 29(3), 315-332. Abstract Objective – To discuss the theoretical design of a measure of library quality and value that could be used across functional areas of a library in order to justify and maximize the allocation of resources. Design – This theoretical article provides background on how to conceptualize and develop a quantitative measure of library goodness. Setting – The process delineated is applicable to any library, whether public, academic, or special. Subjects – The intended audience is library management, both at the director and the department head levels. Methods – The author provided examples and questions in the development of appropriate variables. Main Results – The author presented a discussion of potential variables. These variables include library capability and utilization. Conclusion – The article concluded with a discussion of the major desiderata for an effective measure of library goodness: appropriateness, informativeness, validity, reproducibility, comparability, and practicality.