A critical review of valuation studies to identify frameworks in library services

A selective review of valuation studies evaluated various characteristics, including methods, subjects, and reporting media, in order to identify theoretical frameworks to aid in understanding trends in library services. Two distinct frameworks were identified: the marketing framework with revealed preference method, and the evaluation framework with contingent valuation method. The marketing framework studies aim to promote communication between libraries and their stakeholders to affect the future state of a library, whereas the evaluation framework studies aim to describe the current state of a library and predict its future state. This two-framework approach supports further theoretical and practical exploration of library valuation and library services.

Research Highlights► There are two distinct but not mutually exclusive frameworks for valuation studies. ► The marketing framework is used to promote library communication with stakeholders. ► The evaluation framework tries to describe the a library’s current and future state. ► The two frameworks force a valuation study to clarify purposes and develop goals. ► A two-framework approach to a valuation study is superior.