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.