The dictionary definition of appraisal or evaluation is - to decide the value of, judge the quality of, the determination or estimation of worth or merit of anything. Appraisal is done solely for the purpose of improving an individual's performance. It is the duty and responsibility of the library board to provide for ongoing evaluation of both the Head librarian and staff. Appraisal is often looked upon as an uncomfortable and difficult task, but it is an essential act for the library board, for the head librarian and for the staff. As well, the board and head librarian need to appraise or evaluate the worth of their library programs regularly and volunteers too should be evaluated.
Evaluation is used to judge or measure attitudes and ideas, programs, projects and goals.
These judgements have to be based on objective evidence and they have to be made systematically. Poorly done, the appraisal of staff can damage relationships within the library, and often we don't appraise because we fear the process. It should not be repetitive or boring so that everyone involved wants to drop the process. Good evaluation meets people on their own ground. Standards used in evaluation should be those that will put the next improving step within easy reach of the group.