Promote staff publications: library performance evaluation at Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of Staff Picks, a new measurement to evaluate the annual performance of professionals at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL).Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the reasons why the number of public librarians' publications is far less than that of their academic counterparts in professional literature. To reverse such a trend, SCPL requires its librarians to write and publish three book reviews per year, as part of their annual performance appraisal.FindingsAs one of the contributors to the program, the author has not only participated in the process, but also has conducted a series of investigations into the unprecedented success of Staff Picks. The paper provides answers to a series of questions: Why can it shine and attract so many writers and readers? How can it grow so steadily and successfully? What are the driving forces behind all of these phenomena?Practical implicationsThe paper helps public librarians to be more active in contributing to professional publications by practicing and publishing locally, and eventually nationally and internationally.Originality/valueStaff Picks is innovative in the historical sense that, for once, public librarians are required to write and publish. Their practical research work has benefited not only their own promotions and appraisals, but more importantly, the lives of the public.