The purpose of this research was to develop and test longitudinally a general open system model for academic libraries by which the effectiveness of a library's performance, both overall and specific, can be assessed, monitored, improved, and thereby managed more responsively to the changing aggregate needs of its primary intended users, in accomplishing their individual academic goals within the particular setting. In addition to traditional input, process, and output data, on-going reliable and valid outcome data reported by the users on a comprehensive set of broad service dimensions are needed for management in order to optimize overall library effectiveness in that setting. / Using a holistic systems approach, a tri-level conceptual model was developed based on criteria generated by general system theory methodology. A generic straightforward domain-referenced instrument was developed along with the model to be used, with adaptations, at each setting to provide the systemic evaluative feedback data needed on each service dimension for overall management. Constructs and indicators used in the instrument were operationally defined. A random sample from each stratum of primary intended users at each setting report the Relative Importance to them of each service dimension and their Level of Satisfaction with the performance of the library in providing service on that dimension. From these data, an Index of Benefit and an Index of Effectiveness are calculated across all dimensions, along with the overall levels of Benefit and Effectiveness. / The model was totally pilot tested at one fairly typical academic setting, with three annual iterations of the instrument for each of two strata of users. Data were analyzed and displayed on time series, using confidence levels to detect significant changes. The reliability of the data over time was very high. The validity of the instrument along with the validity and operational utility of the model, by various standard assessments, appear to be good. At least as shown from initial pilot testing, the model appears to be a valid and viable general prototype model for effective management of academic libraries. Testing over time at other academic settings is recommended for further refinement, improvement, and applications. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 42-03, Section: A, page: 0902. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1981.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74447 |
| Contributors | SELL, BETTY MARIE., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 371 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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