scope:

This International Standard is applicable to all types of libraries in all countries. However, not all performance indicators apply to all libraries. Limitations on the applicability of individual performance indicators are listed in the scope clause of the description of each indicator (see Annex B). Indicators may be used for comparison over time within the same library. Comparisons between libraries may also be made, but only with caution. Between library comparisons will need to take into account any differences in the constituencies of the libraries, with good understanding of the indicators used, and careful interpretation of the data (see 5.3.5). This International Standard does not include indicators for the evaluation of the outcomes of library services either on individuals, the communities that libraries serve, or on society at this time. This is an evolving area of performance measurement for libraries and one that the Working Group will continue to monitor. Performance indicators are not specified for all services, activities, and uses of the resources of the library, either because such indicators had not been proposed and tested at the time of formulation of this International Standard, or because they did not fulfill the criteria specified (see 4.2). This International Standard is not intended to exclude the use of performance indicators not specified in it (see clause 6). Throughout the text, the names of indicators are printed with initial capitals for significant words, e.g. Library Visits per Capita. This helps to distinguish the names from supporting text.