Embracing change: evidence-based management in action

Purpose - In recent years public libraries have increasingly been required to collect data for the assessment of their performance and to inform service developments. The purpose of this paper is to describe an initiative to promote an evidence-based approach to library management in a UK county library service. Design/methodology/approach - The paper gives a definition of evidence-based librarianship and describes how a three- year study put evidence-based management (EBM) principles into practice, and the implications for the staff and service as a whole. Findings - An evidence-based approach to library management yields considerable benefits in terms of service delivery and staff attitudes to data handling. When staff understand the purpose and benefits of collecting data and have the skills to handle evidence, they are more inclined to take ownership of these processes. Research limitations/implications - This research is limited to one public library authority in the UK. A key priority for future work is the exploration of how the experience gained in this initiative may be transferred to other library services and domains. Practical implications - The practical implications of this work are widespread across the service. Staff at all levels seem to have greater awareness of the data collection process and how evidence can be used to inform decisions, both in the day-to-day running of the service and in the strategic planning process. The project culminated in the formulation of a performance management resource; a single point of reference for all staff involved in data handling and decision making. Originality/value - A practical study of evidence-based librarianship has never before been undertaken on this scale in the UK.