Purpose:
The paper describes the actual and potential impact of national libraries: the various forms of influence, the target groups, and methods for assessing such impact.
Design, methodology or approach:
In 2009, ISO published the Technical Report 28118, where for the first time specific performance indicators were described for national libraries. This Report is now in revision.
But national libraries are also extremely interested in specific methods for demonstrating their relevance and impact. The new standard for assessing impact of libraries (ISO 16439) does not sufficiently consider the characteristics of national libraries. Therefore, in 2016 ISO has started the project of a standard combining both performance measurement and impact assessment for national libraries.
In order to find adequate methods for impact assessment, it was necessary first to define the core functions of national libraries and to identify the main groups or institutions that will benefit from their activities. This was especially important, as national libraries, unlike most other libraries, have no defined clientele.
Findings:
National libraries are unique institutions in their countries, and their tasks and activities are not easily comparable. Their influence and role depends very much on the social, political, legal and cultural environment. The emphasis on collections is of course stronger than in other libraries, but the focus is turning on services and users. The range of target populations is widening, especially by national libraries taking up educational services.
In spite of the great variety in national libraries, it is possible to find methods for identifying the impact of national libraries on their different target groups and on society.
Research or practical limitations or implications:
There are not many publications available that deal with the influence of national libraries. Surveys are not yet as common as in academic or public libraries and if applied, have often not been published. Research has therefore mainly to rely on unpublished materials of national libraries.
Conclusions:
The value of national libraries has usually been seen as consisting in the collection of the national documentary heritage. Looking at the various target groups and at the current functions of national libraries, a much broader range of benefits becomes visible. Application of impact assessment methods will help national libraries to prove as well their immediate as their future value.
Originality and value:
The paper identifies impact of national libraries and adequate methods of impact assessment for this important library type. This first overview of a new topic will be of interest for all libraries with national or regional functions.
