The objective of this study was to identify common communication issues that arise during the electronic resource lifecycle and identify communication strategies academic libraries are using effectively to manage electronic resources. A survey of academic librarians and staff received 240 responses and included 5-point Likert scale ratings on…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Multi-Subject Learning Survey (MSLS) as an assessment instrument for graduate students. Methodology: The MSLS was administered as a pre-test to 124 students enrolled in the introductory course for the Master of Science in Library Science degree at an American Library…

Though research into academic library director leadership has established leadership skills and qualities required for success, little research has been done to establish where in their career library directors were most likely to acquire those skills and qualities. This research project surveyed academic library directors at Carnegie-designated…

Examines recent developments in field of systems theory that can improve library management practices by broadening perspective in which these problems may be approached. The concept of organizational life cycles is discussed and a paradigm for application of its principles is developed. An Rx decision chart is appended. (9 references) (EJS)

Investigates a national sample of 10 states and a case study of one state (Indiana) using the technique of internal control, both to understand how public library embezzlements occurred and to suggest areas of improvement in library financial management. Findings indicate embezzlement is a continuing problem; and better training in financial…

This examination of the problems and opportunities of system organization from the viewpoint of public libraries provides a perspective on the growth of library networks, their administration, and the pressures that opposed their development in the 1970's. It identifies the requirements for their further development, and looks at the need for new…

Examines the role of research in assisting library managers to operate libraries more effectively. Strategies for research and for library managers to better create and use research are suggested; conceptual and practical issues that affect research utilization are discussed; and the need for improved efforts by both library managers and…

Because of support staff dissatisfaction with Sam Houston State University library's evaluation and merit system, the Director initiated a staff evaluation committee which reviewed current evaluation practices, drafted a new evaluation instrument, and revised the evaluation process. The factors which were involved in this evaluation process are…

This report on a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries on building security and personal safety policies examines three areas in detail: (1) general building security (access to the building, key distribution, patrols or monitors, intrusion prevention, lighting, work environment after dark); (2) problem behavior…

Briefly reviews the theoretical principles of decision making and communication for effective management, and describes management practices in Canadian academic libraries facing retrenchment that deviate from this theoretical model. Suggestions for achieving greater congruency between scholarly theory and management practice, thereby facilitating…

Presents Checkland's soft systems methodology, discusses it in terms of the systems approach, and illustrates how it was used to relate evidence of user survey to practical problems of library management. Difficulties in using methodology are described and implications for library management and information science research are presented. (8…

Designed for use in a post-master's level course in administration of the federal special library, this guide provides instructions for the teacher in simulation techniques plus suggested problems and materials. Suggestions are given for classroom management of the "Governmental Library Simulation." A briefing guide, a debriefing guide, and…

The use of analytical models and quantitative methods for both short- and long-range problem solving offer library managers an excellent opportunity to improve and rationalize decision-making for strategic and organizational planning. The first step is to identify the problems confronting the library and understand its current capabilities.…

Planned as part of a post-master's level course in the administration of federal special libraries, this resource log is the student's personal workbook for use during his participation in the "Governmental Library Simulation." The student is assumed to have a master's degree and some introductory experience in administration. The log introduces…

A study was made to determine the present state of book storage in large North American academic libraries. A letter was sent to every academic library in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) to inquire if they engaged in book storage. From the 35 which answered affirmatively, 15 were selected for visitation: the libraries of the…