What is ISO-IEC 28460:2015?

ISO-IEC 28460:2015 is an international standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the management of library performance indicators and the evaluation of library services. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in collaboration with experts from the library community.

The Purpose of ISO-IEC 28460:2015

The main purpose of ISO-IEC 28460:2015 is to help libraries assess their performance and improve the quality of their services. The standard defines a set of performance indicators that can be used to measure various aspects of library operations, such as collection development, user satisfaction, and resource utilization. It also provides guidance on how to collect and analyze data related to these indicators, and how to use the results to inform decision-making and service improvement.

Key Features of ISO-IEC 28460:2015

ISO-IEC 28460:2015 covers a wide range of performance indicators that are relevant to different types of libraries, including public, academic, and special libraries. These indicators are categorized into four main areas: context, input, process, and output. The standard also specifies the requirements for data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and reporting formats.

One of the key features of ISO-IEC 28460:2015 is its emphasis on user-centric measurement. It recognizes the importance of assessing library services from the perspective of users and aims to capture their needs, preferences, and satisfaction levels. This user-centric approach helps libraries align their services with user expectations and deliver better value.

Benefits of Implementing ISO-IEC 28460:2015

Implementing ISO-IEC 28460:2015 can bring several benefits to libraries. Firstly, it provides a systematic framework for performance measurement, allowing libraries to benchmark themselves against peers and track their progress over time. This helps libraries identify areas of improvement and make evidence-based decisions to enhance their services.

Secondly, the standard promotes transparency and accountability. By adopting standardized performance indicators and reporting formats, libraries can communicate their achievements to stakeholders in a clear and consistent manner. This fosters trust and confidence among users, funders, and other interested parties.

Lastly, ISO-IEC 28460:2015 encourages libraries to adopt a culture of continuous improvement. Through regular data collection and analysis, libraries can gain insights into user needs and preferences, and tailor their services accordingly. This iterative process leads to better service outcomes and increased user satisfaction.

In conclusion, ISO-IEC 28460:2015 is a valuable international standard for library performance evaluation. It provides libraries with a comprehensive set of performance indicators, along with guidelines on data collection and analysis. By implementing this standard, libraries can enhance their operational efficiency, improve service quality, and better meet the needs of their users.