Editorial Comment:

This paper discusses theoretical and practical approaches to the problems of assessing library performance and especially of measuring outcomes in the developing world. An example of one theoretical model that the paper discusses is the manual ACRL on measuring effectiveness of academic libraries (Van House et al, 1990, p.3). This defines evaluation as a circular goal-based process consisting of the following seven stages of procedures:

1. Definition of what is effectiveness of a library or defining the basis for evaluation.
2. Definition of library goals, which represent the desired state and definition of standards with which it will assess its effectiveness.
3. On the basis of the definition of effectiveness and goals, the library develops criteria that represent indicators of effectiveness and are defined by measures (e.g. one criterion of effectiveness can be the use of library material, measured by such measures as material circulation, material use in the library, etc.)
4. Organising library activities (functions, activities and services) in such a way that the goals set are being realised in the best possible way.
5. For each chosen measure the library gathers data on the effectiveness of its operation in certain areas.
6. It compares the gathered data with the goals set and assesses how effective it has been in their realisation.
7. The circular process then comes again to its starting point, when the library again assesses the adequacy of the defined criteria of its effectiveness, used measures and choice of procedures and library activities it performs.

Other theoretical models are also outlined, including a systematic approach to library evaluation.