Information Society and Library Evaluation Transitions in Portugal: A Meta-evaluation Model and Frameworks (1970–2013)

Leonor Gaspar Pinto,Ochôa Paula

doi:10.18352/lq.8264

Abstract

The need for greater understanding of assessment practices and models highlights a deficit of an up-to-date meta-evaluation model, whilst articulating with new phases in Information Society (IS) development. This paper aims to discuss the meta-evaluation model and frameworks that were created to explain the relations between IS transitions and the development of library performance evaluation models in Portugal (1970–2013).The research is based on a qualitative methodology supported by a combination of literature review with the construction and application of conceptual models and frameworks.The meta-evaluation model of the impact of transitions on library performance evaluation provides an adequate representation and explanation of relationships between IS transitions and library performance evaluation models. The CLPET (Categorizing Library Performance Evaluation Typologies) Matrix, as well as the relational framework that was developed proved to be useful analytical tools.This paper highlights the current transition of performance models into a more holistic performance management, clarifying that diverse uses and components of performance are strongly linked to IS dynamics. It will also enable readers to discuss the impact of meta-evaluation models as a strong instrument to support the challenges of visions, strategies and best practices shifted over time.

Highlights

In the last 30 years, both library assessment and Information Society (IS) developments have experienced a great and long period of theory building and conceptualization
Some transitions in European strategy underline several impacts in institution management that must be examined. This is the case of libraries that developed models in specific contexts related to specific IS factors, using the theories and instrumentalities of evaluation, resulting in a cumulative body of knowledge and skills that must be highlighted. This project’s core research question was ‘How did major Information Society transitions impact on library performance models in Portugal?’ Based on a qualitative methodology supported by a combination of literature review with the construction and application of conceptual models and frameworks, the research was anchored in two core elements: Information Society and library performance models
This trend was primarily rooted in two initiatives: the first, pursued by OQIKS between 2001 and 2003, was aimed at building Knowledge Resources Centre Network (KRCN)’s quality concept and led to the development of the KRCN Quality Observation Model; the second one was part of a wider strategy targeted at the construction of an evaluation culture in LMLN (2004–2006) and implemented through the LMLN Service Quality Model, a model adapted from Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry’s Gap Model (Vinagre, Pinto, & Neves, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

In the last 30 years, both library assessment and Information Society (IS) developments have experienced a great and long period of theory building and conceptualization. Some transitions in European strategy underline several impacts in institution management that must be examined This is the case of libraries that developed models in specific contexts related to specific IS factors, using the theories and instrumentalities of evaluation, resulting in a cumulative body of knowledge and skills that must be highlighted. This project’s core research question was ‘How did major Information Society transitions impact on library performance models in Portugal?’ Based on a qualitative methodology supported by a combination of literature review with the construction and application of conceptual models and frameworks, the research was anchored in two core elements: Information Society and library performance models. The project was presented at the 3rd Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries International Conference (QQML, 2012) and has already contributed to a series of academic discussions

Information Society and library performance evaluation models in Portugal

Valorising library performance information

Quality

Integrated models

Transitions and impacts on library performance evaluation models in Portugal

Discussion and final remarks