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. 2006 Apr;94(2):107-17.

The Medical Library Association Benchmarking Network: development and implementation

Rosalind Farnam Dudden  1 , Kate Corcoran, Janice Kaplan, Jeff Magouirk, Debra C Rand, Bernie Todd Smith
Affiliations

The Medical Library Association Benchmarking Network: development and implementation

Rosalind Farnam Dudden et al. J Med Libr Assoc. 2006 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: This article explores the development and implementation of the Medical Library Association (MLA) Benchmarking Network from the initial idea and test survey, to the implementation of a national survey in 2002, to the establishment of a continuing program in 2004. Started as a program for hospital libraries, it has expanded to include other nonacademic health sciences libraries.

Methods: The activities and timelines of MLA's Benchmarking Network task forces and editorial board from 1998 to 2004 are described.

Results: The Benchmarking Network task forces successfully developed an extensive questionnaire with parameters of size and measures of library activity and published a report of the data collected by September 2002. The data were available to all MLA members in the form of aggregate tables. Utilization of Web-based technologies proved feasible for data intake and interactive display. A companion article analyzes and presents some of the data. MLA has continued to develop the Benchmarking Network with the completion of a second survey in 2004.

Conclusions: The Benchmarking Network has provided many small libraries with comparative data to present to their administrators. It is a challenge for the future to convince all MLA members to participate in this valuable program.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Question PS08: Total number of items received from outside sources annually (borrows), based on 16 institutions with 10 to 14.9 postgraduate training positions
Figure 2
Figure 2
Question PS08: Total number of items received from outside sources annually (borrows), based on 31 institutions with 60 to 99.9 postgraduate training positions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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