I’m getting ready to attend one of my favorite library gatherings next June, the Special Libraries Association convention (it’s in Vancouver BC Canada this year). And I know all my friends who are librarians will be interested in the latest ISO offering for the library community. The new ISO 16439, “Information and documentation – Methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries,” addresses an issue that’s been a hot topic in the library community for some time. How can those in the field develop tangible evidence of value and impact?
Good news! There’s a number of methodologies presented, which means that you’ll have a selection of ways to choose from. Since there are many types of libraries, with many different missions, this is a good thing! It’s a 90 page document and it really covers the range of topics you’ll want to consider when approaching this issue.
The ISO 16439 first covers a general definition of the concept of library impact. Then it reviews a 4 ways of measuring it (inferred evidence, solicited evidence, observed evidence, and combined methods). It also helps you understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative data, and where each data type can be found.
Then the publication covers each of these 4 types of information gathering efforts. Coverage is extensive so you have a complete understanding of the tools and types of analysis that should be used. For example, you’ll get information on conducting surveys, interviewing techniques, as well as a sample survey included as Annex A.
And there’s a section on assessing the economic value of a library. You’ll find a number of suggestions on ways to calculate this figure, which is helpful to many librarians who did not envision finding themselves doing this type of analysis as part of their job description!
Two additional Annexes cover how to choose the method that is best for your situation and a discussion of the impact of libraries within the organization at large. And for all of you librarians, the document closes with a bibliography that includes 43 citations for further investigation!
To get your copy, go to the Document Center webstore at www.document-center.com. There you can search for and order any standards that your organization needs. Or feel free to contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re an authorized dealer of the ISO and IEC standards and have the experience you can rely on to assist you with all those pesky questions you have about these documents. Make us your Standards Experts!
