Service technologies in academic libraries (case study of I. S. Turgenev Orel State University Scientific Library)

Abstract

Innovative technologies for providing the scope of library information services are discussed. Users satisfaction with the products/services quality within the services strategy of Orel State University Scientific Library was monitored. The study goals were to investigate into the new format of staff operation, to refine criteria and evaluation indicators, and to specify services and practices.

The quality features were measured and compared to the ideal model of library and information services. It is found that the service dominant idea is consonant with the staff’s and users’ orientation toward open, secure, friendly working environment. The author remarks to the staff's business activity, increasing the Library’s rates in the external environment. She proves that the service technologies make the efficient instrument of the humanistic mission rather than obtaining of the maximum extrabudgetary funding.

The author proposes several key management solutions, i.e. stimulation of staff’s culture; development of corporate professional cooperation in information exchange; generation of inhouse intellectual content; intensification of user awareness forms; methodological support; monitoring; promotion of the existing resources and dissemination of information products.

The obtained empirical data make the foundation for increasing effectiveness of services.