University Rankings: How Well Do They Measure Library Service Quality?

University rankings play an increasingly large role in shaping the goals of academic institutions and departments, while removing universities themselves from the evaluation process. This study compares the library-related results of two university ranking publications with scores on the LibQUAL+™ survey to identify if library service quality—as measured within the LibQUAL+™ dimensions affect of service, information control, and library as place—is related to the standings. The results suggest that some indicators used to rank universities favor libraries with more highly rated physical facilities, while largely ignoring the impact that other services have on library quality.