ISO/TR 28118 - published as SIST-TP ISO/TR 28118:2010 in Slovenia - is a Technical Report that defines performance indicators for national libraries. It provides a standardized list of metrics, terminology and data definitions tailored to the special tasks of national libraries (for example national imprint collection, national bibliographies, preservation and international cooperation). The report is intended primarily for consistent comparison over time within the same institution and, with caution, for comparisons between libraries whose missions and constituencies differ.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Designed for national libraries and applicable to libraries with regional tasks or without a defined population to serve.
- Standardized terminology: Detailed terms and definitions (drawn from ISO 11620, ISO 2789, ISO 5127 and related sources) to ensure consistent data collection and interpretation.
- Performance indicator framework: Guidance on presenting and describing indicators, including selection, limitations and use for internal evaluation.
- Indicator content: A consolidated list of performance indicators relevant to national library functions (coverage of national imprint, speed/comprehensiveness of national bibliography, preservation effort, international engagement, electronic resources, etc.). Annex A gives descriptions of indicators; Annex B links indicators to mission and goals; Annex C outlines early practices for collecting national Internet content.
- Limitations noted: The Technical Report currently does not include indicators for outcomes or societal impact (individual, community or societal outcomes) but allows for future additions.
- Non-exclusivity: It does not exclude the use of other relevant performance metrics not specified in the report.
Practical applications - who uses it and why
- National library managers & directors: for annual reporting, strategic planning and monitoring trends over time.
- Performance analysts / statisticians: to collect standardized data and produce comparable internal performance dashboards.
- Policy makers & funders: to understand resource use, preservation effort and bibliographic service delivery.
- Library associations and benchmarking groups (e.g., IFLA, CENL): for harmonized benchmarking and best-practice exchange.
- Archivists and digital preservation teams: to measure preservation activity, digital-document management and national Internet collection efforts.
Practical uses include benchmarking internal performance over time, documenting national imprint coverage, monitoring national bibliography timeliness, tracking conservation and electronic resource metrics, and guiding international collaboration strategies.
Related standards
- ISO 11620 (Library performance indicators) - many indicators are selected or adapted from this standard.
- ISO 2789 (International library statistics) - terminology and statistical definitions.
- ISO 5127 (Information and documentation - Vocabulary) - foundational definitions.
- COUNTER (usage-count conventions) - referenced for content unit and download concepts.
Keywords: performance indicators, national libraries, ISO/TR 28118, library performance measurement, national bibliography, collection preservation, electronic resources, library benchmarking.