Analysis of efficiency and influencing factors of knowledge services in public libraries: the evidence from China

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to quantify and evaluate the efficiency of knowledge services public libraries (PLKS) in China and to analyze the factors affecting the efficiency of PLKS. The focus of this study is to explore the characteristics and changing trends of PLKS and how to improve the efficiency of PLKS. The conclusions drawn in this paper are expected to provide important references for academic research and practical exploration in related fields.Design/methodology/approachThis study constructs a three-stage process of PLKS. On this basis, the efficiency is analyzed by using the Super-NSBM model, and the influencing factors of PLKS are analyzed by using OLS. Finally, through the comprehensive interpretation of the measured data and the existing social development conditions, the authors put forward relevant recommendations.FindingsIn the first stage, the PLKS in China meets the basic requirements, but there is an obvious waste of resources in the second stage. In addition, China’s public libraries show obvious regional differences in knowledge service efficiency. Finally, it was found that economic and technological factors can increase the efficiency of PLKS, but the increase in the number of university students will reduce the efficiency of PLKS.Originality/valueIn this study, the authors provide an exhaustive deconstruction and explanation of PLKS, which leads to the proposal of a three-stage PLKS efficiency conversion process. Furthermore, the authors identify a diverse set of quantifiable metrics that are readily accessible for open collection. Notably, the authors correlated the efficiency of PLKS with the influencing factors, exploring PLKS from a new perspective and enriching the research related to PLKS.