Awareness and Implementation of Total Quality Management: Medical Libraries’ Perspective

Authors

Abera Sial, Department of Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Punjab Civil secretariat, Lahore.Follow
Hafiz Nazeer Hussain, Lecturer: Department of Library & Information Science, Govt. Postgraduate College, Ravi Road, Shahdara, LahoreFollow
Hafiz Muhammad Adil, Lecturer, Deptt of Library & Information Science, Govt. Degree College (B) Bedian Road, LahoreFollow
Muhammad Ijaz Mairaj, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The study intended to assess the level of awareness and the status of applications of total quality management (TQM) in medical libraries. A survey method was used to collect data from the library professionals serving in the libraries of medical colleges/institutes/universities of Punjab, Pakistan. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents claimed a good level of awareness and understanding about TQM applications for medical libraries. TQM applications including “committed leadership and management support; continuous improvement; teamwork; involvement of everyone; and employee empowerment” were practiced in medical libraries to achieve “customer satisfaction”. The medical library professionals (MLPs) considered the indicators of performance measures such as “PMDC registration requirements, staff evaluation criteria, and users’ complaints” as necessary elements. However, the MLPs did not aware of the performance indicator method, benchmark, and ISO 9001 certification application. The study suggested that the leadership and medical library professionals should focus on devising mechanisms for TQM standards/norms for quality library services and facilities, allocating budget, and providing training opportunities for professional development.