Libsys

Libri, 1999, vol. 49, pp. 106–119 Printed in Germany · All rights reserved

Copyright  Saur 1999 Libri ISSN 0024-2667

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Performance Evaluation in Library and Information Systems of Developing Countries: A Study of the Literature

GASHAW KEBEDE

Department of Library Science, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Based largely on a study of the literature, this article outlines the nature and purposes of performance evaluation in library and information systems in general. It further delineates the information scenario of developing countries and pinpoints the specific issues that performance evaluation could address in the library and information systems of these countries. It then raises the challenges that the library and information systems of developing countries face in conducting performance evaluation to achieve the expected benefits from it. The article identifies the following stumbling blocks: lack of awareness, cost of conducting the evaluation, shortage of staff and lack of methods and tools to em-

ploy for the purpose. Methodological problems are identified as important. It concludes that the library and information systems in these countries have to develop their own methods and tools appropriate to their needs and relevant to their environment. It further discusses key issues in the development of the required framework such as assessing the environment and identifying what is important from the point of view of the system for the evaluation effort to focus on. The means of generating data usable for performance assessment and training as a means of improving the staff shortage and absence of awareness of the role of performance evaluation to address among the other challenges.

Introduction

Evaluation of the performance of library and information systems is one of the major concerns and an integral part of the library and information systems manager’s job. It is widely recognised as an important issue,...