Discusses the need for ethical guidelines for library administrators. Five basic ethical principles that could underlie the development of such guidelines and examples of how these principles might apply in a library setting are suggested: (1) respect autonomy; (2) do no harm; (3) benefit others; (4) be just; and (5) be faithful. (27 references)…

Considers the benefits of written trip reports (e.g., accounts of site visits or conferences) to library administration and to the individual writing the report. Difficulties with trip reports are noted; and report writing guidelines that address audience definition, format, organization, headings, style, and deadlines are suggested. (12…

Discusses aspects of a good system for library employee performance appraisal, stressing the importance of treating workers as adults and making the appraisal process a two-way exchange. The role of the line supervisor and how to deal with poor performance are also addressed. (MES)

Discusses four themes related to resolving difficulties in library personnel evaluation: (1) the importance of clearly defining performance evaluation and its goals; (2) negotiation theory for dealing with negative results of personnel evaluation; (3) development of a perspective on conflict management; and (4) assertiveness as a foundation for…

Illustrates how basic principles of marketing and strategic market planning can be applied to libraries and discusses some concepts of strategic planning (organization mission, objectives and goals, growth strategy, program portfolio plan) and marketing (opportunity analysis, target market selection, marketing mix strategy, marketing systems…

Discusses the basic issues and practices in the administration of photographic collections, specifically with respect to the preservation of photographic materials, the organization of photographic files, and the cataloging of photographs under the Anglo American Cataloging Rules. An 18-item bibliography is included. (JL)

Recommends and describes assertive management techniques for dealing with conflicts or problems in libraries: (1) listening to understand problems; (2) stating expectations clearly; (3) focusing attention on the real issue; (4) explaining situational givens; (5) compromising/negotiating when possible; (6) being persistent and patient; (7) giving…

Discusses the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Library Awareness Program and presents the American Library Association's policy on confidentiality of library records and suggested procedures for implementing the policy. Relevant state and federal legislation are summarized, and suggestions are offered for library administrators dealing with the…

Drawing on management theory, this article explores the costs, benefits, and sources of organizational conflict in the academic library context. Five responses to conflict (using power, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and problem solving) are described, and guidelines for using problem solving to manage conflict effectively are offered. (14…

Addresses the responsibilities of public library trustees and recommends increasing their effectiveness through involvement in statewide library issues and local lobbying efforts. The discussion also covers length of term and absenteeism, ethics, and awards or citations for exemplary trustees. (Six references) (MES)

Discussion of care and planning given to the implementation of an automated library system highlights informing the staff in the early stages, project management, involvement of the entire staff, the control log, time and money, where and when to go online, and implementation consultants. (EJS)

This discussion of methods for selecting an integrated, public-access library system highlights the traditional idealized selection model; participation by the library director, consultant, task force, committees, and vendors; fads and cost figures; selection of the wrong system; and suggestions for an informal approach to purchasing. Five sources…

Discusses strategic planning in libraries and outlines a cost-finding methodology to help library administrators practice strategic budgeting. Highlights include identifying products and services; types of budgets; types of costs; creating an enhanced operating budget; creating a program budget; and outputs and unit costs. (Contains six…

Examines various aspects of the selection of library administrators, including the search committee process, time delay in candidate selection, group dynamics within the search committee, the perspectives of different constituencies on the search committee, and the qualities necessary for library management. Recommendations are made and a…

Argues that the establishment of a solid working relationship with a competent lawyer is a regular part of the business of running a library, and provides practical advice on lawyer selection, fee arrangements, and the ground rules of legal representation. (RAA)