Towards establishing guidelines for performance appraisal of subject librarians in KwaZulu-Natal academic libraries

Abstract

A common theme emerging in the library world today is that quality service in the library and information centre is dependent on the quality performance of personnel. Prior to conducting performance appraisals, managers need to ascertain the core performance criteria for quality service provision. Research was conducted among subject librarians in KwaZulu-Natal academic libraries to ascertain what key performance areas (KPAs), job tasks and competencies were considered important in the work of subject librarians. The purpose of the study was to develop initial guidelines for performance appraisals of this group of librarians. Using the survey method and the self-administered questionnaire, findings indicated that performance appraisal guidelines would need to take cognisance of the following KPAs of subject librarians' work: Instruction and teaching, Reference services, Communication, Management and organisation, Cataloguing and classification and Information technology. The most important competencies identified were Interpersonal skills, followed by Knowledge of the total information environment.