Performance assessment model for academic libraries

Academic libraries are facing increased difficulties in carrying out their functions by traditional means. The continuing explosion of information coupled with spiraling costs are challenging library managers to accommodate these trends with little or no increase in funding. To meet this challenge, library managers must utilize and allocate resources in a more institutionally effective manner. Effective decision‐making and planning, however, require appropriate management information. This article describes a conceptual framework for the development of a management information system including performance assessment components for linking institutional goals, library performance, and library management decision‐making. The operational methodology required to evaluate resource allocations consistent with aggregate user needs and delineated organizational objectives is outlined. The resultant system would continuously monitor user needs, document availability, service utilization, and user productivity as means both to identify problems and opportunities and to assess the consequences of management decisions.