Slide 19 of 36
Notes:
Now why would you want to benchmark a library work process instead of the number or type of library resources?
Well, first of all benchmarking work processes allows you to benchmark with libraries in different environments. While the resources may be different in libraries, the processes used purchase and process them may be the same. For years libraries have claimed to be unique because their collections were different. Libraries share more similarities via processes than differences.
Second, benchmarking a library process identifies the how to improve. Let[‘s look at journals. Benchmarking the journal collections in two libraries can show how many each have, how often their used, what titles each library has, etc. But that won’t tell you how to improve collection development or routing services. Your library partner could have more journals, but that doesn’t mean they have a better journal routing procedure.
Third, benchmarking explains the need for the library staff. The library is not just a collection of materials, it is a service run by living human beings. Benchmarking library work processes explains to upper management and to customers what those human beings in the library do, how well they are doing it, and how they can do it better with beneficial results..
And last, benchmarking is a valid tool used by leading corporations with measurable results. Libraries can be operated more like a business, and the willingness of librarians and staff to employ benchmarking to measure and improve their products and services will usually be met with support.
