Academic Libraries: The Dimensions of Their Effectiveness

by Joseph McDonald, Lynda B Micikas

Overview

This book offers a completely new approach to the measurement of academic library effectiveness. Based on a significant empirical investigation, it contradicts established practices such as the measurement of outputs as indicators of effectiveness and the tendency to focus the evaluation of library effectiveness on the success of isolated activities. The book also explores in detail the fundamental inadequacy of library-based bibliographic instruction and information-seeking skills development. It argues that a student learns in order to become information literate and does not become information literate in order to learn. In so doing, it challenges much of the accepted wisdom in libraries and information technology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313272691
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/23/1994
Series:	New Directions in Information Management , #32
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

JOSEPH A. McDONALD is Associate Professor and Director of the Library at Fontbonne College. An authority on information systems design and management, his work has been published in jourbanals such as Drexel Library Quarterly, Library Software Review, and The Reformed Jourbanal.

LYNDA BASNEY MICIKAS is an independent consultant in learning and information in Denver. She is also Director of The Human Genome Project: Information Access, Management, and Regulation for the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study at Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was formerly an Associate Professor and Chair of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Holy Family College.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Library Effectiveness: A Review
Library Effectiveness: A New Approach
Assessing Organizational Effectiveness
Criteria for Assessing Academic Library Organizational Effectiveness
Research Methodology
Results and Discussion
The Grail of Library Goodness
Libraries and Information
Bibliography
Appendix 1: Effectiveness Criteria
Appendix 2: Questionnaire
Appendix 3: Questionnaire Items Keyed to Effectiveness Criteria
Appendix 4: Sample Characteristics
Appendix 5: Statistical Analysis
Appendix 6: Variables Comprising Major and Minor Factors
Appendix 7: Domains: Their Dimensions and Variables

Editorial Reviews

Presents the results of a study on academic library effectiveness, of interest to university librarians and faculty. The research uses Kim Cameron's principles of organizational effectiveness applied to academic libraries. Discusses assessment and criteria, research methodology, and the results of the study. A section on libraries and information discusses the implications of the information age for academic libraries and considers the influence of information technology on the curriculum. Appendices include study questionnaires, characteristics of institutions surveyed, and statistical analysis. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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