Innovative impact planning and assessment through Global Libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Pablo Andrade Blanco ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Ieva Dryžaite ◽  
Maciej Kochanowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a range of innovative (for public library performance measurement and impact assessment) methods and tools developed by country teams as part of the Global Libraries (GL) initiative. Short reports are provided on: a return on investment study, a simplified data processing system for library managers and an online reporting system for public libraries in Ukraine; a study of the public image of Polish libraries in print mass media, two approaches to sustainability of performance measurement and impact assessment in Romania, through tools to conduct pop-up surveys and use of agricultural subsidies support data, assessments of changes in public library managers’ planning efforts in Poland and of their perceptions of libraries and their own role, using Modified Delphi forecasting, in Lithuania, two ways of focussing on the world of public library users by engaging non-profit organizations in library research in Poland and conducting impact studies in virtual environments in Chile. Design/methodology/approach – A range of methods and tools and their uses are described. Findings – No specific research findings are reported. Research limitations/implications – All of these tools and methods have been (or are being) trialed in national public library contexts; some have been developed over several years. Practical implications – Useful for people in other (non-GL) countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local level or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Social implications – This paper is part of a GL effort to share what participants have learnt about impact planning and assessment in public libraries with the wider international libraries community. Originality/value – The impact planning and assessment program of GL has been the largest sustained international public library evaluation program so far attempted. This paper reports on the more innovative evaluation activities undertaken at country level through this program.

Global Libraries impact planning and assessment progress

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umut Al ◽  
Pablo Andrade Blanco ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Lina Maria Cruz Silva ◽  
Luba Nikolaeva Devetakova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on performance measurement and impact assessment progress made in 14 countries as part of the Global Libraries initiative, starting with the early country grants in Mexico and Chile. For the mature grants in Bulgaria, Botswana, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and Viet Nam which were recently completed or are approaching completion, the nature of the country program is outlined, before the impact assessment work is described and some recent results and conclusions are reported. A similar approach is adopted with pilot and new grants in Colombia, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and Lithuania. Design/methodology/approach – The country reports are presented as a series of case studies, in some cases supplementing those in an earlier special issue of this journal. Findings – Where appropriate, recent country-specific survey findings are reported. Practical implications – This paper shares Global Libraries IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local level or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Originality/value – These cases studies reflect concentrated impact assessment and performance measurement work at country level across a range of countries over more than 12 years.

Impact Planning and Assessment of public libraries: a country level perspective

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Stage Process ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis is the first of a cluster of papers which seek to describe the work of impact planning and assessment (IPA) specialists at country level within the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the evolution of the approach to IPA developed by country specialists and outlines the main elements of the GL IPA Roadmap, which encapsulates this general approach. The Roadmap is a four‐stage process designed to ensure that IPA specialists know how to go about the needs assessment, baseline study and surveys involved in IPA at country level.FindingsThe paper underlines the need to collect required and recommended metrics for comparison and advocacy purposes and to take on the challenge of showing the impact of the country programmes in changing people's lives.Originality/valueThis paper shares the IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at national, regional or local level or who are interested in impact evaluation.

Innovative impact planning and assessment through global libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-84
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Richard Abisla ◽  
Violeta Bunescu ◽  
Marcel Chiranov ◽  
Camila Garroux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Tools And Methods

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report a range of innovative approaches, methods and tools for evaluating the impact of public libraries and supporting the development of library leaders drawn from projects supported by the Global Libraries initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Design/methodology/approach A range of approaches, tools and methods are described by specialist staff who were directly involved with these innovations. Findings Some comments are provided on the effectiveness of these innovations. Research limitations/implications All of these innovations have been tried out in public library settings, usually over a period of years. Practical implications All of the selected innovations could be adapted and used by library leaders or impact specialists. Social implications Several of the innovations are specifically designed to engage library staff and users in evaluation processes. Originality/value The impact planning and assessment programme of GL was the largest sustained international public library evaluation programme so far attempted. This paper reports on the more innovative evaluation activities undertaken through this programme.

Global Libraries impact planning and assessment progress: part 2

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-104
Author(s):  
David Streatfield ◽  
Richard Abisla ◽  
Umut Al ◽  
Violeta Bunescu ◽  
Yulianto Dewata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Impact Evaluation ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Library Evaluation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on recent performance measurement and impact evaluation progress made in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Moldova, Turkey and Vietnam as part of the last phase of the Global Libraries Initiative. Design/methodology/approach The country reports are presented as a series of case studies, in some cases supplementing those reported earlier in this journal. Findings Recent country-specific survey findings are reported and some conclusions are offered. Research limitations/implications This paper demonstrates how the adoption of a common approach to library service evaluation across several countries can strengthen research practice at country level beyond the Global Libraries Initiative itself. Practical implications This paper shares Global Libraries IPA learning at country level with people in other countries who may be contemplating public library evaluation at regional, national or local levels or who are interested in performance measurement and impact evaluation. Social implications The paper shows how focusing on the impact of public library services on users can enhance the understanding of community requirements and inform the development of more effective services to library users and communities. Originality/value These case studies reflect concentrated impact evaluation and performance measurement work at country level across a range of countries over more than 18 years.

Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Michnik
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Local Politicians ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.

Broadband, digital literacy and public libraries: the Mill Park story

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Rolan ◽  
Tom Denison ◽  
Christine Mackenzie
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Successful Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The paper aims to present the results of a research project designed to explore the impact of the establishment and operation of a broadband enabled digital training facility at the Mill Park public library, focusing on the role of public libraries in both engaging and educating local communities and exploring issues related to the provision of training through public libraries, benefits or problems in doing so and the relationship to new and existing services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a case study approach, following the development of the training program and changes implemented throughout the first two years of operation. Findings – The Mill Park Library has successfully met, if not exceeded, the goals of promoting broadband services, up-skilling the community and promoting digital readiness within it local community. Both directly and through partnerships with other organisations and schools, it has not only addressed the needs of community members but also engaged them more fully with the library’s other services. Practical implications – The paper offers insight into the value of strong community-based networks in supporting the successful design and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT)-related training programs. Originality/value – The paper offers insight into the value of strong community-based networks in supporting the successful design and implementation of ICT-related training programs.

Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Streatfield
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evidence Collection ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Impact Planning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Collection Methods

PurposeThis paper has the aim of introducing the Special Issue on Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to provuide public access to information through computers in public libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis descriptive paper introduces the work of the Global Libraries Initiative and its IPA Specialists.FindingsAs more countries have joined Global Libraries, there has been a gradual increase in interest by IPA Specialists and their colleagues in employing a broader range of evidence‐collection methods in attempts to show more clearly whether and how greater access to information through public access computing leads to changes in users and their lives. There is still a great deal to be done before a likely move into the realm of systematic measurement of changes to people's lives and it is highly questionable whether IPA Specialists could ever achieve such a goal by enthusiasm, energy and collaboration alone. There is scope for more consistent application of qualitative research methods within and across countries, as well as for developing common impact measures based on user self‐assessment and reporting.Originality/valueThe paper introduces and discusses the Impact Planning and Assessment (IPA) of the Global Libraries Initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and suggests how research to improve the GL Initiative can move forward.

Resource sharing in the UK public library system: an update

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Froud
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Resource Discovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to review the position of UnityUK and FABLibraries (Find a Book in Libraries) some five years after a review by the same author (with Elisabeth Robinson) was published in 2011. Design/methodology/approach The UnityUK service and its co-service FABLibraries is placed in the current service and political context: changing politics and reductions in public service. The conclusions of a survey conducted by the University of Sheffield are noted as current technical developments. Findings Subscriptions to UnityUK remain stable despite an overall decline in interlending. The FABLibraries service is well positioned to play a key role in the creation of a single digital presence for public libraries in England and in the UK. Practical implications The outcome of major recent political change in respect of public service is not yet known, but there is reason to be confident about the role of the two services in supporting resource discovery and supply. Social implications The FABLibraries service is well positioned to be the major building block in a national e-public library platform. This would provide a cost-effective means of making national resources accessible to everyone who can get online. Originality/value The author provides an up-to-date perspective of the impact of change, recent government reports and public sector austerity on interlending and the position of key resource discovery tools in that environment.

Promoting knowledge circulation in public libraries: the role of gamification

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 669-676
Author(s):  
Nathalie Colasanti ◽  
Valerio Fiori ◽  
Rocco Frondizi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge Circulation ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to investigate the impact of nudges and considerations stemming from behavioural economics on the promotion and enhancement of knowledge circulation in public libraries. In fact, literature indicates that an approach based on nudging individuals towards desired behaviours may be more effective than top-down policy actions that may be perceived as excessive.Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer the research question, the paper analyses an exploratory case study regarding the network of public libraries in Rome, called Biblioteche di Roma (BdR). BdR launched its online platform in 2009, but it was never able to create a strong connection with offline activities, and contributions by readers (such as comments and book ratings) remained very low. In 2018, BdR introduced a gamification section in its website, with the goal of increasing users' interactions and book circulation. Data resulting from the use of gamification, both at city level and within different neighbourhoods, will be presented and analysed.FindingsResults indicate that the introduction of gamification was successful in increasing users' interactions and engagement, both online and offline.Originality/valueThe paper is valuable as it explores the introduction of nudge theory and gamification in the public library system.

Supplier performance measurement system use, relationship trust, and performance improvement: a dyadic perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vieri Maestrini ◽  
Andrea Stefano Patrucco ◽  
Davide Luzzini ◽  
Federico Caniato ◽  
Paolo Maccarrone
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Supplier Performance ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems ◽  
The Impact

PurposeGrounding on resource orchestration theory, this paper aims to study the relationship between the way buying companies use their supplier performance measurement systems and the performance improvements obtained from suppliers, with relationship trust identified as a mediator in the previous link.Design/methodology/approachThe authors design a conceptual model and test it through structural equation modelling on a final sample of 147 buyer-supplier responses, collected by means of a dyadic survey.FindingsResults suggest that the buyer company may achieve the most by balancing a diagnostic and interactive use of the measurement system, as they are both positively related to supplier performance improvement. Furthermore, relationship trust acts as a mediator in case of the interactive use, but not for the diagnostic. This type of use negatively affects relationship trust, due to its mechanistic use in the buyer-supplier relationship.Originality/valueThe authors’ results contribute to the current academic debate about supplier performance measurement system design and use by analyzing the impact of different supplier performance measurement system uses, and highlighting their relative impact on relationship trust and supplier performance improvement. From a methodological perspective, adopting a dyadic data collection process increases the robustness of the findings.

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