Discusses the importance of cost finding for public libraries and the relationship of cost finding to output measures. A cost finding study conducted on the cost of gift books is described; several worksheets from the study are included. Suggestions are offered for beginning a cost-finding project. (three references) (MES)

Describes a strategic planning model and its application in libraries, focusing on the importance of identifying value systems as the first step in the strategic planning process. Several actions that libraries can take to incorporate employee values into strategic planning are recommended. (20 references) (MES)

Discussion of staff loyalty to library directors highlights guidelines for directors to sustain loyalty and support, including choosing the appropriate management style, developing trust, and supporting staff by encouraging input and helping them reach their professional potential. Results of a survey of Missouri state academic libraries that…

Summarizes results of a survey on the value of the corporate library and presents a strategy for successful information management: (1) learn the information needs of senior executives; (2) be businesslike; (3) defend your turf; (4) segment the market; (5) market to those who need information; and (6) be involved in the business. (Three…

Describes a theoretical instructional development model for planning college and university bibliographic instruction programs. Potential advantages of the approach are identified and specific application of the model is encouraged to gain empirical data and refine the methodology. Ten references are listed. (RAA)

Discussion of the development of a budget formula allocation system for library acquisitions is followed by a literature survey on the choice of variables to be included. The steps in the development of the allocation formula and the solutions to a number of practical problems are presented. (Author/RAA)

Reports results of a survey of large public libraries on incidents of muscular-skeletal injuries associated with use of computer keyboards in libraries. Personnel policies and practices that can minimize injuries are outlined. Sidebars describe the importance of adjustable workstations, steps that employees can take to minimize injuries, and…

Based on data from a 1979 survey of ARL member libraries, this study by the Office of Management Studies analyzes the responses of selected libraries which had provided internal studies or planning documents on the subject of internal communication and notes the extent of resulting changes in procedures. The studies yielded information on staff…

Proposes using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for the analysis of routine library statistics to measure how well certain goals are being reached and discusses variables and procedures that might be used. Information on SPSS, sample selection, and Yule's Q analysis is appended, and 18 references are listed. (RAA)

This report presents the results of a survey that gathered information from Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members on insuring library collections and buildings. Data are presented on kinds of insurance and coverage, valuation, special insurance on electronic data, sprinkler systems, losses, and insurance problems. A copy of the survey…

Suggests a model for using a spreadsheet to allocate academic library salary increases. Seven variables are incorporated in the model: (1) experience; (2) difficulty of the job; (3) initiative; (4) cost of living; (5) inflation; (6) equity; and (7) merit. One reference is listed. (MES)

Presents a quantitative method for implementing management by objectives (MBO) in library technical services. Several mathematical formulas show the relationships between such variables as: (1) volume of works; (2) total materials budget; (3) number of staff; (4) working hours; (5) productivity; and (6) tasks. (four references) (MES)

This manual has been designed as a practical guide to quantifying and measuring the results, or outputs, of public library service to children. The basic output measures presented are tailored to reflect library services to children (defined as persons 14 years old and younger) and their care givers. Six categories of measures are presented: (1)…

Reports on output measures that can give children's librarians additional information to better control collections and make better selection and weeding decisions. Statistical comparisons utilizing circulation data (comparing circulation year to year, circulation to patrons served, circulation to number of materials owned) and availability of…

This guide from the Public Libraries Association (PLA) describes a planning process to be used by individual library systems to establish their own standards appropriate to local conditions and needs; design strategies to reach those needs; and inaugurate a planning cycle that involves continuous monitoring of progress and regular adjustment of…