A performance index approach to library collection

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the new application of a performance index (p‐index), extending its use to libraries for measuring and evaluating library circulation statistics in terms of quality and quantity of library books usage by subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses NISCAIR library circulation data and computes p‐index as well as h‐index for comparing usage in different subjects.

Findings

The results indicate that a two dimensional map of quality vs quantity of transactions can be used for better understanding and evaluation of library usage.

Research limitations/implications

The h‐ and p‐indices and the quality‐quantity maps can be used as a benchmark for monitoring library performance in addition to finding out high value areas in the library collection, high value users, and high value books.

Practical implications

The paper is able to supplement the insights normally available from routine statistical analysis of circulation data.

Originality/value

This study may help in providing knowledge/insights in building up collections.

Citation

Prathap, G. and Mittal, R. (2010), "A performance index approach to library collection", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 259-265. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678041011098532