Total Quality Management (TQM) in Shahid Beheshti University libraries: Offering a model

Subject Areas : Journal of Knowledge Studies

mehrdokht  Vazirpour keshmiri ¹ (Faculty member of Islamic Azad University North Tehran branch)
shokouh  Tafreshi ² (Faculty member of Islamic Azad University North Tehran branch)
nasrin  yousefi ³ (MSC in library and Information Science)

Received: 2008-09-05 Accepted : 2009-01-01 Published : 2009-05-22

Keywords: Total Quality Management, Academic Libraries, Libraries, Library management, Libraries of Shahid Beheshti University,

Abstract :

The aim of this survey is to present the best model for implementation of TQM and evaluate infrastructures of libraries at Shahid Beheshti University using ISO 9000 model and finally introducing the best solution with considering of existing infrastructures. The defined population was the employees and managers of all Shahid Beheshti University libraries (57 subjects). Our tool for collecting information was a questionnaire which consists of 8 parts that was designed according to ISO standard. All collected data have been analyzed using SPSS software. The Findings demonstrate that with existing situation, it is not possible to use TQM at libraries and the score of libraries was below 50% at 8 principles of ISO 9000 of TQM. The observance percentage at 8 principles of ISO 9000 for the following items at libraries of Shahid Beheshti University is as follows: Focus user: 45.6%; Leadership: 38.4%; Involvement of people: 27.2%; Process approach: 46.7%; System approach: 36.5%; Continual improvement: 29.8 %; Factual approach for the decision making: 34.3%; and Mutual benefit in the relationship with supplier: 40.9 %. According to the results, the score of libraries was below 50% at 8 principles. The highest score attributed to “Process approach” with 46.7% and the lowest was “Involvement of people” with just 27.2%. Also, a meaningful difference in items 1, 5, 7 as well as between (1, 3), (1, 6), (2, 3), (3, 4), (3, 8), (4, 6) have been observed. Therefore, with existing situation there is not any possibility to use TQM at Shahid Beheshti University libraries. Furthermore, before using any schedule to implement the TQM, we should modify the infrastructures and fulfill the existing problems so that the basis will be ready to use TQM as a good and effective approach at Shahid Beheshti University libraries management. Finally, some guidelines and suggestions have been offered for the present situation and future.