Library Performance Management in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Applying DEA to a Sample of University Libraries in 2006-2007

The paper assesses the performance of a sample of 37 libraries pertaining to a federal university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Referring to the years 2006-2007, the assessment is based upon the estimation of a DEA model that generates both efficiency scores and optimal changes in current allocations for each year. Markovian analysis indicates that the percent of efficient libraries will likely decrease in the long run. One can assert that efficiency analysis enhances the assessment of library performance by providing both relative positions and potential improvements along time. The present case served only as an empirical excuse and no special difficulty is to be expected when trying to replicate it in other library systems.