Anne Wilson (Northern Territory University)
Email:anne.wilson@ntu.edu.au

Leeanne Pitman (University of Ballarat), Isabella Trahn (University of New South Wales)

Abstract: 'Best Practice for Australian University Libraries' is a federally funded project which has investigated current 'best practice' activities within Australian academic libraries and made reference to relevant best practice activities at selected international sites. In this project, the term 'best practice' encompasses the extent of the implementation of quality frameworks and the use of benchmarking and performance measurement as tools for the continuous improvement of products, processes and services. Staff competencies and training required for the effective application of these frameworks and tools were also investigated. Recommendations on the practical application of this knowledge in support of effective future best practice have been made. These recommendations include the conversion of information from the project into a 'Best Practice Handbook for Australian University Libraries' which will form the basis for an ongoing source of reference for all university libraries.