EQUINOX: Library Performance Measurement and Quality Management System
an EC Telematics for Libraries project
European libraries are increasingly aware of the need to develop and utilise methods of measuring the performance of library services within a framework of quality management. Extensive work has been carried out on performance measurement of traditional library services, there is now however, an urgent need for this work to be expanded, to include the development of performance measures within the networked, electronic environment. EQUINOX is an EC funded research project which builds on the recommendations of earlier projects including EQLIPSE, MINSTREL, DECIMAL, DECIDE, and on the CAMILE Concerted Action, by taking a world lead in developing international agreement on standard performance measures for the electronic library environment.
EQUINOX will also develop and test an integrated software tool which will support managers of 'hybrid' (electronic + traditional) libraries, both from the performance measurement and quality management perspectives, without restricting them to the rigour of ISO9002. Large-scale trials of this tool will be carried out in various types of libraries (public, academic, and special) across Europe.
The project team consists of seven partners:
- The Manchester Metropolitan University, UK (Coordinating Partner)
- National Microelectronics Application Centre Ltd., Ireland
- Fretwell Downing Informatics Ltd., UK
- Dublin City University, Ireland
- Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Münster, Germany
- Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Spain
- Stockholm University Library, Sweden
The duration of the EQUINOX research project is 24 months from November 1998. Reports of progress will be published during this time and the project's web site at http://equinox.dcu.ie/ will be the primary link to any such reports, as well as providing more detailed information about the project. The project team invites comments, feedback and queries at any stage through the project web site, or the contact below.
For further details of the Project, please contact:
CERLIM,
Manchester Metropolitan University,
Geoffrey Manton Building,
Rosamond St. West,
Off Oxford Rd.,
Manchester, M15 6LL, U.K.
Tel: +44 161 247 6142
Fax: +44 161 247 6979
Email: cerlim@mmu.ac.uk