Importance of Periodic Evaluation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 108 views

Introduction

The Medan Area University Library (UMA) plays a vital role in supporting the teaching, learning, and research processes at the university. The library's collection is a crucial aspect of its services, and it is essential to evaluate the suitability of the collections with reference to the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011. This study aims to evaluate the collections in the UMA library based on the national standard and provide recommendations for improvement.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach, involving interviews with eight librarians in the UMA library. Three of them were the main informants representing the procurement, processing, and references sections. The selection of informants was carried out through purposive sampling techniques to obtain relevant and in-depth data. The interviews were conducted to gather information on the library's collection development, management, and maintenance practices.

Results

The results of the study show that several aspects of collections in the UMA library have met the criteria specified in the national standards. The addition of collections, special collections, and organizing library materials and weeding collections run according to SNP 010: 2011 guidelines. This indicates that the library is committed to providing quality and relevant sources of information for its users. The process of adding a systematic and planned collection is an important step in enriching reading material that can be accessed by students and other academic community.

However, there are several areas that still need to be improved. This study found that the type and number of collections, reference library materials, re-chopped, and preservation of library materials have not fully met SNP 010: 2011. This discrepancy shows a shortage in diversification of collections and maintenance of library materials. For example, the amount of reference library material that is less able to hamper the accessibility of information needed by students in carrying out their academic activities.

Importance of Periodic Evaluation

Further analysis shows the importance of periodic evaluation of library collections. By evaluating the collection, the library can identify shortcomings and plan the right improvement steps. This will contribute to improving the quality of services provided to users. In addition, weeding collections that are irrelevant or outdated also need to be done regularly so that the library collection remains up-to-date and attractive to users.

Recommendations for Improvement

In this context, the Medan Area University Library is expected to take concrete steps to meet all the criteria specified in SNP 010: 2011. Collaboration between librarians in every section is also very important for developing a more effective and efficient collection strategy. By making improvements based on the results of this evaluation, the UMA library can not only improve the quality of its collection, but can also play an active role in supporting the teaching and learning process and research in the university environment.

Conclusion

This standard-based evaluation, ultimately, will contribute to improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia, especially at Medan Area University. The evaluation of the UMA library collection based on the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011 provides a comprehensive understanding of the library's strengths and weaknesses. The recommendations for improvement will help the library to develop a more effective and efficient collection strategy, which will ultimately benefit the students and academic community.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focused on the UMA library, and the findings may not be generalizable to other libraries. Secondly, the study only used a qualitative approach, and a more comprehensive study using a mixed-methods approach may provide more accurate and reliable results. Finally, the study only evaluated the collections based on the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011, and other standards or criteria may also be relevant.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions may include:

Conducting a comprehensive study using a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the UMA library collection.
Evaluating the UMA library collection based on other standards or criteria.
Conducting a study on the impact of the UMA library collection on the teaching, learning, and research processes at the university.
Developing a more effective and efficient collection strategy for the UMA library.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Medan Area University Library collection based on the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011. The study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the library's collection and provides recommendations for improvement. The study also emphasizes the importance of periodic evaluation of library collections and collaboration between librarians in every section. By making improvements based on the results of this evaluation, the UMA library can play an active role in supporting the teaching and learning process and research in the university environment.

Q: What is the purpose of evaluating the Medan Area University Library collection?

A: The purpose of evaluating the Medan Area University Library collection is to assess the suitability of the collections with reference to the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011. This evaluation aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the library's collection and provide recommendations for improvement.

Q: What are the criteria used to evaluate the Medan Area University Library collection?

A: The criteria used to evaluate the Medan Area University Library collection are based on the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011. The criteria include the addition of collections, special collections, organizing library materials, and weeding collections.

Q: What are the benefits of evaluating the Medan Area University Library collection?

A: The benefits of evaluating the Medan Area University Library collection include:

Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the library's collection
Providing recommendations for improvement
Improving the quality of services provided to users
Enhancing the teaching, learning, and research processes at the university
Supporting the development of a more effective and efficient collection strategy

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The limitations of the study include:

The study only focused on the UMA library, and the findings may not be generalizable to other libraries
The study only used a qualitative approach, and a more comprehensive study using a mixed-methods approach may provide more accurate and reliable results
The study only evaluated the collections based on the National Standard of the SNP Library 010: 2011, and other standards or criteria may also be relevant

Q: What are the recommendations for improvement?

A: The recommendations for improvement include:

Collaboration between librarians in every section to develop a more effective and efficient collection strategy
Periodic evaluation of library collections to identify shortcomings and plan the right improvement steps
Weeding collections that are irrelevant or outdated to maintain the quality of the library collection
Developing a more comprehensive and diverse collection that meets the needs of students and academic community

Q: How can the Medan Area University Library improve its collection strategy?

A: The Medan Area University Library can improve its collection strategy by:

Conducting a comprehensive study using a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the library collection
Evaluating the library collection based on other standards or criteria
Developing a more effective and efficient collection strategy that meets the needs of students and academic community
Collaborating with other libraries and institutions to share best practices and resources

Q: What is the impact of the Medan Area University Library collection on the teaching, learning, and research processes at the university?

A: The Medan Area University Library collection has a significant impact on the teaching, learning, and research processes at the university. The library's collection provides students and faculty with access to relevant and up-to-date information, which enhances their learning and research experiences. The library's collection also supports the development of a more effective and efficient teaching and learning process.

Q: How can the Medan Area University Library support the development of a more effective and efficient teaching and learning process?

A: The Medan Area University Library can support the development of a more effective and efficient teaching and learning process by:

Providing access to relevant and up-to-date information through its collection
Offering instruction and training on the use of library resources and services
Collaborating with faculty to develop curriculum and instructional materials
Providing support for research and scholarship through its collection and services.