Title
Theoretical and methodological contributions to the construction and use of indicators in libraries
Jorge Moisés Kroll do Prado
Professor, Santa Catarina State University
President of the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Librarians, Information Scientists and Institutions – FEBAB
Abstract
Management by indicators in a library is fundamental for efficiency, effectiveness and the achievement of institutional objectives. The use of indicators makes it possible to measure and analyse various aspects related to the functioning of the library, providing a solid basis for decision-making and continuous improvement. Indicators are instruments that co-operate in the efficient and intelligent management of libraries. It provides insights into the development of new library products and services, in line with the needs of the community it serves. Other reasons for their use include: performance evaluation, resource optimisation, user service, collection management, strategic planning, quality decision-making, demonstrating value and continuous improvement. However, international standards for library indicators (such as CAUL Statistics Services, Measuring Quality, ISO 11620, Anuario Estatístico ReBIUN and Servqual) do not provide for systemic library management, which demonstrates the need for new indicators. The purpose of this talk is to present the necessary precautions for creating indicators and to propose systemic management indicators for libraries. This is a qualitative and descriptive theoretical approach based on systemic administration, quality management, decision-making and management by indicators. The results include a characterisation of the indicators, their constituent elements and a selection of the research carried out by the author in Brazil on proposing systemic library management indicators.
Short cv
Jorge Moisés Kroll do Prado holds a PhD in Information Science from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil), a Master’s degree in Information Management and a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from the State University of Santa Catarina (Brazil). He is currently a professor at Santa Catarina State University and President of the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Librarians, Information Scientists and Institutions – FEBAB (since 2020). Member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutes (IFLA) since 2015.
