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)

Reports data on salaries of public library directors from the Municipal Year Book 1992. Salaries are presented for 10 population groups (i.e., size of population served) and are further classified by geographic region, city type, and form of government. (MES)

Explains the criteria by which 50 public libraries were chosen as outstanding, and reports the results of a survey of the directors which focused on major problems in libraries; desired goals in administration and technical and public services; predicted trends; stage of computerization; and sources of information and new ideas. (CLB)

Describes a survey that was designed to gather information on the time-management practices of library directors in large public libraries. Highlights include delegation of authority, leadership styles relating to conflict resolution, a ranking of activities that waste time, the use of committees, and gender and age differences. (15 references)…

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…

This study examined patron survey results and nonlibrary consumer activity in a small community to define convenient public library hours. No correlation between library and commercial enterprise activity was found, although some recommendations on library service were suggested by the data. The questionnaire is appended. (23 references) (MES)

Reports the results of a study of two library systems' differing approaches to staff involvement in library planning. The systems' attempts to prepare staff members, keep them informed, and encourage staff participation are described, and the resulting benefits are contrasted. Suggestions for successful staff involvement are offered. (34…

Reports the findings of a questionnaire distributed to public libraries that serve populations over 100,000 that addressed the professional information needs of librarians. Three major areas are discussed: topics for staff involvement on a national level; conference program formats conducive for such involvement; and major concerns of public…

Discusses methods of evaluation that can be used to measure public library effectiveness, based on a conference sponsored by the Council on Library Resources. Topics discussed include the Public Library Effectiveness Study (PLES), quantitative and qualitative evaluation, using evaluative information for resource acquisition and resource…

Describes a survey of library development officers in state library agencies that was conducted to investigate the types of governance structures of public libraries. Highlights include consolidation of public library services, public library boards, trends in public library governance, financial support and managerial effectiveness, and…

Develops a career and managerial profile of directors of Northeastern medium-sized public libraries based on the responses of 217 directors. The results confirm the existence of many of the gender-based career patterns found among directors of academic and larger public libraries together with an emphasis on internal administrator roles. (16…