How does a dandelion seed from overseas root and thrive?

Abstract

PurposeThe concept of quality management blossomed first in Japan and later in US and UK industry. Since then, the theory of quality management has been growing rapidly. It has become a management philosophy and has taken shape in a series of international standards in the ISO 9000 series. This article aims to describe how total quality management (TQM) – a dandelion seed from overseas ‐ turned an ordinary library into something different.Design/methodology/approachThis article is a general review of the progress made in Hainan University Library.FindingsHainan University Library implemented TQM in July 2004 and passed the authentication of ISO 9000: 2000 in 2005. Management innovation in Hainan University Library gradually became a real eye‐catcher. A national workshop on quality management and performance management in the library was held in April 2006. The library is now a member of IFLA (there are 25 members in China including Macao and Hong Kong); in 2005 the director of the library was elected as a standing committee member of IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section; and international exchange and cooperation is becoming increasingly active.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates how a silent, ordinary library has made a difference; it is moving away from being an isolated island and moving towards the international arena.