Libraries: Transforming the Educational Process through Total Quality Management (TQM)

Abstract

The need for transformation in all spheres of life is imperative. In this information society which information is the vehicle that drives the process of transformation, ensuring success and the library is the custodian of this information. The education process is not an exception. It relies heavily on the delivery of accurate, timely, comprehensive and relevant information to attain its values. Educational process has metamorphosed from single discipline to interdisciplinary and the multidisciplinary approaches thus requiring a change in paradigm in the way information practitioners bring information to drive the process, to suit new philosophies for a successful transformation. To do this, Total Quality Management of information is needed and libraries are to set benchmarks for monitoring users’ satisfaction, clarify, new tasks and functions and change paradigm from planning activities for information dissemination to planning for result and providing direction to avert user frustration. In this paper, concepts are defined and benchmarks for monitoring are stated. Suggestions are given which border on service quality and the adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM). Among the recommendations proffered is the users’ need to acquire ending skills such as knowledge of information sources, knowledge of information search strategies and knowledge of retrieval devices.