Findings of a study conducted at four university libraries support Hage and Aiken's theory that, while the relationship between the structural variability complexity and rate of innovation is positive, it is negative for centralization, formalization, and stratification. The methodology, with some modifications, was shown to be transferable.…

Reports a job analysis methodology to gather meaningful data related to circulation desk activity. The technique is designed to give librarians statistical data on actual time expenditures for complex and varying activities. (Author/RAA)

Describes a survey that evaluated time management practices among directors of large academic libraries. Factors such as the ability to delegate authority, leadership style, and the most common time wasters are discussed, and topics are suggested for further research. (19 references) (Author/CLB)

Discussion of the user opinion survey conducted by University of Cincinnati Libraries to aid in the participative planning process for library automation notes methodology, instrument design, distribution, analysis, feedback, rate of return, use of current record systems, sequence of automating record systems, and suggestions. Fourteen sources are…

Describes the of attribute sampling to estimate characteristics of library collections and operations. The nature of statistical sampling and making a statistical inference are covered, and examples from library situations are given. Tables of determination of sample size and evaluation of results are included. (Contains six references.) (EAM)

Describes a survey of librarians in the California State University that examined the extent of professional staff participation in decision making. Organizational structures that facilitate participative management are identified, and librarians' perceptions of its degree and effectiveness are discussed. (6 references) (Author/CLB)

University of Oklahoma Libraries conducted a cost study of circulation service-desk operations. Using percentages of staff time occupied in particular tasks, pay rates, indirect costs, and overhead, total costs were computed on task-by-task basis. Information served as basis for reorganization of work assignments and revision of staff scheduling.…

Findings of survey examining career progression of academic library administrators suggest that two career progression patterns have existed in academic librarianship: the first required acquisition of professional credentials and geographic relocations (typical of males); the second consisted of internal promotions in one institution (typical of…

Describes the development and administration of archives in Australian universities, and discusses problems relating to financial support, staffing, space allocation, placement, and management. The outlook for the future of archives in Australia is then examined, focusing on financial support and the role of the government in encouraging…

Data gathered in application of Paul Kantor's demand-adjusted shelf availability model to medium-sized academic library indicate significant differences in shelf availability when data are analyzed by last circulation date, acquisition date, and imprint date, and when they are gathered during periods of low and high use. Ten references are cited.…

Presents results of survey assessing the opinions of 76 Association of Research Libraries library directors concerning 19 educational competencies for research librarians. Results are analyzed regarding importance of competencies, their need in different positions, their possession by beginning librarians, and the adequacy of instruction in…

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…

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)

Reports the results of a survey that asked academic librarians where they had acquired their professional knowledge and where they would prefer to acquire it. The discussion covers preferences for skills acquisition through library schools, on the job training, and professional continuing education, and the implications of these preferences for…

Reports the results of a survey of the "Bowdoin List" group of liberal arts colleges. The survey obtained information about (1) automation modules in place and when they had been installed; (2) financing of automation and its impacts on the library budgets; and (3) library director's views on library automation and the nature of the…