Developing a Measure of Library Goodness

Authors

  • Gregory A. Crawford Pennsylvania State University Libraries

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18438/B8Z03K

Keywords:

libraries, management, measurement, goodness, quality, value, quantitative variables

Abstract

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.

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Author Biography

Gregory A. Crawford, Pennsylvania State University Libraries

Director, Penn State Harrisburg Library Librarian

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Published

2016-09-26

How to Cite

Crawford, G. A. (2016). Developing a Measure of Library Goodness. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 11(3), 115–117. https://doi.org/10.18438/B8Z03K

Issue

Section

Classics and Special Topics

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