Examines the characteristics of management information systems and their impact on decisions of senior library managers. The organizational feasibility of such systems is discussed in terms of four key components--economic, technical, structural, psychological--that are related to libraries in general and senior management decisions in particular.…

Presents results of survey of 48 academic library directors on use and effectiveness of public relations (PR) programs (planned PR programs administered by one person, coordinated PR programs, favored channels of communication, importance of academic library PR). Recommendations based on survey results and review of literature are offered. (22…

Emphasizes the importance of good management for libraries and need to train librarians as managers. Difficulties librarians have faced in becoming managers, types of education being offered to librarians both in library schools and continuing education programs, and useful teaching methods for management study are highlighted. Twenty-seven…

Reviews research on obsolescence (decline over time in validity or utility of information), citing two major state-of-the-art reviews and subsequent research involving citation studies and use studies based on circulation and reshelving statistics. A problem-solving management model developed to aid libraries deal with obsolescence is discussed.…

Provides a definition of the planning process drawing upon models from management science, outlines the steps library administrators should take in developing a planning program, and describes some of the recent planning processes for public libraries, school media centers, academic libraries, and special libraries. A reference list is provided.…

The implementation of work redesign techniques described or similar advanced methods of organization and work system design should allow academic libraries to respond more effectively to rapid changes in user demand and improve the quality of working life of their employees. Included are 44 references. (Author/RAA)

Research has shown links between good libraries and good student performance. A good library is adequately staffed, stocked, and funded. Its staff is involved in the school's teaching and learning; provides access to materials; has collegial, collaborative relationships with teachers; and embraces information technology. A dynamic librarian and a…

Summarizes the topics covered at a seminar for rural librarians in Australia that focused on practical solutions to the problems inherent in being physically and professionally isolated. Areas discussed included education and training, communication and networking, and library management and services. (10 references) (CLB)

Discusses issues that managers of academic library electronic reference services are facing. Topics discussed include the quantity of mediated searches; organizational changes, i.e., who electronic services staff report to; management by committee; administrative options; changing job responsibilities of searchers and other staff members, both…

Examines the concept of empowerment as a movement to foster the democratization of the workplace and staff development. Empowerment versus participative management, the relationship of empowerment to organizational theory, factors influencing empowerment in organizations, and possible consequences of successful empowerment for employees and…

Reviews the literature on academic library reference service, and examines changes in the traditional reference desk model. Based on the review from the perspectives of managers, librarians, and users, new research directions are proposed in which users' information-search processes and librarians' intervention in reference service are integrated.…

This review of issues facing administrators of community college libraries and learning resources centers focuses on four main areas: (1) organization of services; (2) maximizing library effectiveness; (3) administrative qualifications; and (4) standards for community college libraries. It begins by arguing that, since a library reflects the goals…

This analysis of data from major library studies provides a wide range of information on public libraries in America in the 1970's. Following a discussion of the history and stated purpose of American public libraries, figures are presented for library size, population served, area served, governing bodies, financial support, revenue allocation,…

The state-of-the-art review on the use of technology in the administration of school library media programs and in school library/public library cooperation which is presented is based on a literature review and interviews with media specialists from nine states. Additional information is incorporated from a survey of the status of technology in…

A report of the current state of librarianship in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) presents a brief history as well as an overview of the prerequisites of and organizations concerned with library research, and the objectives, methods, and results of intermediary but important research projects. Although the practice of library research is new…