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Dear all, As promised, a summary of the feedback from the people who kindly contacted me about potential schemes for accreditation of our library enquiry services. There were 4 contenders for Accreditation Matrix Standard: used by Sunderland to accredit the whole service (initially all of their culture and tourism directorate, and including a specific IAG service, latterly the library service only, now with no IAG function). Also by Hartlepool to accredit their Reference and Information Services, including Non-fiction, reference, Local history and enquiry services. Both report that Matrix matches library services well. Customer First Standard -has a definite Customer and marketing focus, so more suited to a accrediting a whole organisation, and no way of ensuring the quality of a specific service. The Helplines Association Standard. Has a clear focus on providing information, which also merges into an advice role. Perhaps not a wide enough focus for libraries, as it is designed for charities with a health, welfare and education remit, though now also includes people being supported in making life choices. PLQIM is designed specifically for public libraries, and usefully evaluates library services across 6 indicators; Access to Reading, Learning, Personal and community development, Ethos and values (encompassing Inclusion), Management of Resources and Information. The Information indicator can be used alone. Originating in Scotland it isn't yet very widely used in England. Jonathan Like us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/EssexLibraries> ; Follow us on Twitter<http://www.twitter.com/EssexLibraries> Jonathan Wicks Audience Development Officer Essex Libraries Essex County Council 01245 492758 07880180026 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> | www.essex.gov.uk<http://www.essex.gov.uk/>/libraries