An approach to quality improvement of Nigerian university library services: A framework for effective quality management implementation

Abstract

The paper explores the different strategies in managing operations and delivering services and compares them to current trends in academic libraries in Southwestern (SW) Nigeria. The author objectively and comparatively examined the different models of quality management (QM) and strategies, from which a framework of quality improvement for Nigerian university libraries was developed. The article employed a pragmatic approach to unearth the complexities of investigating the phenomenon in academic library environments. This paper discussed the findings of three studies (online survey, interview and focus groups) in this research and how they relate to the existing literature. A comprehensive analysis highlights challenges of university library operations in SW Nigeria while a pragmatic approach was used to achieve the objectives of the paper. The paper concluded that improvement in quality of service delivery and operations is certain if the proposed framework for QM implementation is embraced in Nigerian academic libraries. Recommendations were made on the way forward toward improving academic library services nationwide.

Quality Management in Chinese Academic Libraries: A Systematic Review

“…The current study found ISO 9000 and TQM as the predominant QM models in the Chinese context. This finding is consistent with previous studies from other countries, which similarly identified ISO 9000 [120] and TQM [5,121] as the principal QM models discussed and implemented in academic library settings. This trend reflects a widespread preference for models that have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.…”

“…In addition, the intrinsic developmental needs of academic libraries were identified as the most important internal enabler in this review. This finding is in line with outcomes from the international literature, which found the comprehensive improvement of information services [40], enhancement of communication and collaboration between libraries [5,40], elevation of the libraries' quality image [38], and supportive leadership styles [5,120] as key components for internal development. These elements collectively contribute to libraries' ongoing efforts towards excellence in service quality and operational efficiency, which reflect a global consensus on the importance of developmental need in driving QM initiatives.…”

“…Over-reliance on theoretical analysis may limit the understanding of practical issues. In contrast, research conducted in other countries, like a study in the southwestern region of Nigeria, employed a combination of questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups to investigate QM implementation in academic libraries to develop a framework of quality improvement [5]. This diversity of approaches highlights the use of various research methods to capture the value of a wider range of views and opinions.…”

“…Faced with the surge of global digitization and the diversification of higher education needs, academic libraries are challenged to manage information and knowledge resources sustainably and effectively. In light of these trends, academic libraries have worked to develop quality management (QM) strategies mirroring the complexities of the current world [5].…”

“…This gap extends to research involving systematic reviews, especially those focusing on enabling and hindering factors relating to the planning and implementation of QM. In fact, even within the global research landscape, where methods like case studies, questionnaires, and interviews have been used to explore QM issues [5,[38][39][40], the absence of systematic reviews is a widespread issue, extending beyond the Chinese context. This observation partly mirrors one of the necessities of this study that arises not only from the gaps lying within the Chinese academic library system but also from its potential to supplement global research on QM.…”