Benchmarking, an imperative for special libraries in the Caribbean: the Jamaican case

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of benchmarking and its application as a total quality management tool. It provides librarians with insights into one strategy that may be used to prove that the library is contributing to the bottom line of the parent organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has two sections. The first half is a discussion on the need for strategic measurement and evaluation in special libraries in the Caribbean. Ranganathan's five laws of library science are reconsidered in the context of the changing library environment and are used to demonstrate how libraries can remain relevant. An overview of quality management and the application of benchmarking in libraries is also presented. The second half highlights a benchmarking pilot project that is being considered by a group of librarians in the special libraries section of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica and how one special library has adopted appropriate measurement and evaluation techniques to define its value in the organization and to keep its position in the Library Association of Jamaica as a focal point for the Socio‐Economic Information Network (SECIN).FindingsSpecial libraries in Jamaica must move away from being cost centres to being value‐added units. Proactive strategies that will create new value in the organization or allow the organization to remain on the cutting edge must be developed and implemented.Originality/valueThe paper enables special librarians to have a better understanding of how to implement a benchmarking project in their organizations.