Discussion of the problems which confront African library administrators in the establishment of a new university library focuses on administrative, social, political, and economic problems. Educational systems in Africa are seen to be the prime key to development of more and better university library services. Footnotes are included. (EJS)

Describes one academic library's experiences in developing a new management structure based on teams to cope with increasing internal and external changes. The views of a team leader, team member, a new librarian, and the director are presented, and benefits and problems of the new structure are presented. (Contains 16 references.) (EAM)

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…

This article draws on parallels between outsourcing in business and in libraries to examine the difficulties and implications of outsourcing the catalog department. Topics include outsourcing at Wright State University (Ohio), management concerns, vendor objectives, cataloging as a noncore activity; and selective versus total outsourcing. Contains…

Argues that problems of managing coexistence of collegial and hierarchical governance structures in university libraries may include accountability, lack of organizational flexibility, time requirements, communication between structures, lessening of librarian's interest in function of line management, potential for goal conflict, and lack of…

Discussion of productivity in the workplace focuses on libraries, particularly academic libraries. Productivity is defined; opportunities and barriers for productivity in the workplace are explained, including adversity, technology, teamwork, and management styles; and implications for managers are suggested. (16 references) (LRW)

Written from perspective of the president of a graduate research-oriented university, the author explores nature of the academic library, its size and structure, retrenchment as it affects acquisitions and services, and issue of who makes decisions concerning the library. Space and budgetary problems at the University of Oregon are discussed.…

Discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of adopting a subject specialization approach in university libraries. Also described are some of the difficulties which have arisen with the introduction of subject specialization in some of the newer or provincial universities. Four references are listed. (LLS)

Discussion of the acculturation of academic librarians to faculty positions focuses on the processes of acculturation, including selection, sequestration, instruction and apprenticeship, sanctioning, certification and sponsorship, and mentoring. Difficulties with this process specific to librarians are considered, and suggestions for improving…

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…

This paper describes development of preservation/conservation policy in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Discussion covers concentration on manuscripts and older books, training of library personnel by the conservation staff, preservation methods, and balance between an institution's responsibilities to its readers and its duty to…

Applies the ideas of Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline; The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization" to leadership in academic libraries in transformation. Systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, building shared vision, and team learning are discussed; and current limitations of organizations are identified. (EAM)

Discusses the problem of keeping library staff motivated when promotions are not available. Topics addressed include the importance of management training that emphasizes communication skills; alternative ways to help employees grow, including staff development programs, lateral transfers, job rotation, and short-term projects; and helpful…

Discussion of the relationship between academic libraries and academic computing centers focuses on the need for cooperation. Theoretical organizational models are discussed; administrative issues are addressed; working models of both mergers and cooperative arrangements are described; and potential problems are examined, including budget…