Improving Library and Information Services Through Self-assessment

Self-assessment enables organizations to undertake comprehensive, systematic and regular reviews of their performance against models of good management practice. This book was produced as a result of a two-year project at the British Library Research and Innovation Centre to investigate the potential of self-assessment approaches for public library services. It describes and explains the process of developing a self-assessment toolkit for the library and information sector, drawing on three models of good management practice, including the EFQM Business Excellence Model. The text reflects the team's action research with library authorities using varying applications of quality management: it makes recommendations and provides which take account of the imperatives of library services within their own institutional context. Areas covered include: undertaking self-assessment; identifying the self-assessment approach; maintaining quality; the values and benefits of self-assessment; and self-assessment criteria for library services. The pack associated with this book is entitled "The Library and Information Services Self-assessment Training Pack".