How do you measure the impact of a library management system on library operations and services?

1 Define the objectives and scope

The first step in measuring the impact of an LMS is to define the objectives and scope of the project. What are the main problems or needs that the LMS is supposed to solve or address? What are the expected benefits and outcomes of the LMS for the library and its users? What are the functional and technical requirements of the LMS? What are the constraints and risks of the project, such as budget, timeline, compatibility, and security? By defining the objectives and scope, you can establish the criteria and indicators for evaluating the impact of the LMS.

2 Collect and analyze data

The next step is to collect and analyze data on the current and desired state of library operations and services. You can use various methods and sources to gather data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, documents, and statistics. You can also benchmark your library against similar or best-practice libraries to compare their performance and practices. The data should provide information on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, the gaps and opportunities for improvement, the user needs and expectations, and the costs and benefits of the LMS.

3 Assess the alternatives and scenarios

The third step is to assess the alternatives and scenarios for the LMS project. You can compare different options for the LMS, such as buying, building, or outsourcing the system, or choosing among different vendors or platforms. You can also consider different scenarios for the implementation and maintenance of the LMS, such as phased, pilot, or full-scale deployment, or cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid hosting. You can use tools and techniques such as SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, or decision matrix to evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative and scenario.

4 Estimate the impact and feasibility

The fourth step is to estimate the impact and feasibility of the LMS project. You can use quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the impact of the LMS on library operations and services, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), return on investment (ROI), user satisfaction, service quality, or innovation. You can also assess the feasibility of the LMS project in terms of technical, operational, economic, social, legal, and environmental aspects. You can use tools and techniques such as feasibility matrix, feasibility report, or feasibility scorecard to summarize and present your findings and recommendations.

5 Communicate and validate the results

The final step is to communicate and validate the results of your feasibility study. You should prepare a clear and concise report that summarizes the objectives, scope, data, analysis, impact, and feasibility of the LMS project, and provides recommendations and action plans for the next steps. You should also present and discuss your report with the relevant stakeholders, such as library staff, management, users, or funders, and solicit their feedback and approval. By communicating and validating the results, you can ensure that your feasibility study is accurate, reliable, and relevant for the decision-making process.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?