Table of ContentsThe Journal of Information Science and Technology
Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Vol. 54 （2004） , No.4
Special feature : Library performance evaluation and E-metrics
Trends of Practical and Research Efforts for Measuring Performance of Electronic Library Services
Kazuaki KISHIDA
(Faculty of Cultural Information Resources, Surugadai University (698 Azu, Hanno-shi, Saitama 357-8555))
Abstract : This article aims at reviewing some practical and research efforts for evaluating electronic library services. First, we describe recent trends of measuring library performance through indicators included in ISO 11620, and of assessing effectiveness of library services by techniques of outcome measurement or SERVQUAL. In addition, some problems of statistics on uses of electronic or online journals are discussed. Next, we review briefly ISO/TR 20983, which is a report on performance measure of electronic library services based on ISO 11620, and a practical guideline on use statistics of electronic journals recommended by COUNTER. Finally, some issues of measuring performance of electronic library services are discussed, which are reliability or usefulness of data on uses of WWW resources, insufficient efforts of measuring outcome of electronic library services, and so on.
Keywords : electronic library service / electronic journal / library evaluation / performance measure / use statistics / ISO 11620
Usage Statistics of Electronic Resources : COUNTER Project and the Code of Practice
Shinya KATO
(Information Services Division, Kumamoto University Library (2-40-1 Kurokami Kumamoto-shi Kumamoto 860-8555))
Abstract :Library environment have changed. Library now largely depends on external electronic resources such as electronic journals and databases. Since most of the electronic resources are networked information resources, library should receive usage statistics from the vendors. The data provide vary considerably from vendor to vendor. COUNTER's primary goal is to provide credible, compatible and consistent usage statistics of electronic resources. The article describes activity of the COUNTER and main feature of Code of Practice. Some related guidelines for measurement of electronic resources established by international initiatives such as ICOLC, E-Metrics and NISO are briefly noted.
Keywords : Electronic Resources / Usage Statistics / COUNTER Project / COUNTER Code of Practice / ICOLC / E-Metrics / NISO
Customers' Context of Evaluation in Electronic Libraries
Haruki NAGATA
(Research Center for Knowledge Communities, Univ. of Tsukuba (1-2 Kasuga, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8550))
Abstract : This paper examines a discussion on context for library evaluation raised by Tefko Saracevic and Peter Hernon & Robert E. Dugan. Then it argues that the customers' evaluation is connected to both so called customers' outcomes and library's outcomes. And it discusses that customers' evaluations in the hybrid library environment are implemented as customer satisfaction surveys or service quality assessments. Some comments on new trials for assessing the electronic libraries in this context are added.
Keywords : Electronic Library / Customers' Evaluation / Customers' Satisfaction / Service Quality / Outcomes Assessment / SERVQUAL / LibQUAL＋
“A Report on Evaluation Indicators for the University Library (Version 0)" and Case Studies of their Effectiveness Focusing on Electronic Library Service
Hidehiro GAMOH
(Nagoya University Library (Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 464-8601))
Abstract : On the occasion of incorporation of national universities, ANUL (Association of National University Libraries, Japan) organized a working group to prepare a report comprising of three main evaluation indicators - quantitative evaluation, electronic library service-related evaluation, qualitative evaluation.
In this article, evaluation indicators related to electronic library service are described in detail. In addition, several problems of the report are discussed.
The working group suggested the following improvements - continuous examination of the indicators, development of standard input formats and tools on the web, employment of specialists for collection and analysis of data.
Keywords : ANUL (Association of National University Libraries, Japan) / university library / electronic library / library evaluation / quantitative evaluation / qualitative evaluation
Possibility and potential for a change in Academic Libraries
Saori DONKAI
(Human and Environmental Library, Kyoto University (Nihonmatsu-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 606-8501))
Abstract : It is hard to say that subject librarians are firmly-established as an institution in Japanese Academic libraries in spite of having said an importance of them for years. After surveying librarians and subject specialization in the United Kingdom, this paper discusses a few critical issues for establishment of subject librarian system in Academic.
Keywords : subject librarians / chartered librarians / academic libraries / CILIP / MCLIP / UK