Applying quality management in the provision of information services in libraries in today’s information age

Abstract

This paper reviews relevant literature on quality management concepts, its brief history, its applicability by profit-making institutions and how it is now finding its way into non-profit making institutions (e.g. libraries) due to current developments. Researches done have shown that incorporating quality management in today’s organisations cannot be avoided. The paper identifies common practices in libraries which are no longer relevant in today’s environment and proposes the need for re-evaluation to allow for the adaption of quality management method. This paper also explains why there is a need for a paradigm shift in today’s libraries or information units and suggests what could be done by the librarians to bring quality to information service unit. In addition, the paper highlights barriers encountered while attempting to apply quality management in information services in libraries/information units in today’s libraries.