Developing KPI-Driven Performance Dashboards for University Libraries

Abstract

As universities and colleges continue to evolve
into data-driven institutions, library services in these
schools are facing challenges in demonstrating their
effectiveness and their contribution to the school’s
mission and objectives. This study offers an enhanced
performance evaluation, strategic library management,
and operational transparency framework with an
emphasis on operational strategic planning for university
libraries with a KPI-based performance dashboard. The
model—KPI-DashLib—includes key performance
indicators from pertinent domains such as resource
management and usage, user engagement, collection
development, digital services, and academic Impact.
Streamlined modular dashboard frameworks facilitate
the conversion of real-time data into insights using
intuitive visual displays and predictive trend analytics.
The model aids the data-informed resource management
and planning for administrators, streamlined resource
management, service gap identification, and sustained
improvement monitoring. A prototype dashboard for a
mid-sized university library's data ecosystem was
designed with the aid of open-source business intelligence
applications. Preliminary data has shown improved
stakeholder engagement and library alignment with the
institutional framework. This paper presents a scalable
and replicable model for the integration of KPI
frameworks into library performance systems, thereby
advancing the governance and accountability of libraries.