Recommends that library managers make inexpensive but enlightened changes in administrative policies and work environment to encourage professional development of permanent staff. References are listed. (RAA)

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)

Focuses on appropriate and potentially helpful applications of workplace humor to enhance the work atmosphere in academic libraries. Provides an overview of humor literature and Internet sites. Discusses a conference on incorporating humor into the workplace, humor in academic libraries, personal applications, and applications for management in…

Explores the distinguishing characteristics of the liberal arts college and their meanings for the library director. Telephone interviews with nine liberal arts college library directors who had significant previous experience in a research university library focused on their expectations, what they liked/disliked most about the position, and what…

Explores three potential sources of harrassment from whom the librarian requires protection--patrons, lower-echelon supervisors, and library administrators. Types of protection provided by library associations, the courts, unionization, librarians' professional goals, actions of progressive administrators, collective bargaining, and public and…

Examines myths and realities of aging in the academic library workforce and other work environments. Discusses technology-related changes in higher education; technology training; performance evaluation and career development for veteran library staff; managing change with late-career employees; implications for public and reference services; and…

Reviews theories on job satisfaction and evaluates their relevance to the work environment of libraries. Analyses of data from survey of Nigerian librarians seem to indicate that some of the theories are irrelevant in that context because survey respondents agree that their level of job satisfaction is directly determined by amount of money they…

This report presents the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members about the current climate and practices regarding flexible work arrangements. Data are reported on the availability of schedule flexibility, job exchange, part-time arrangements, and leaves, as well as information about faculty status, tenure,…

Discusses previous job satisfaction research and reports a study of job satisfaction among Ohio academic library support staff using Paul E. Spector's Job Satisfaction Survey. The 434 responses indicate general satisfaction, with greater satisfaction among females, among those who work in public services, have less experience, or who work…

Discusses the nature of job satisfaction, its relationship to performance, and associated organizational factors, such as commitment, in research libraries. Symptoms of job dissatisfaction are outlined, and a framework for improving job satisfaction provides suggestions in the areas of hiring, professional development, job design, empowerment, and…

Discusses the need for libraries not only to recruit, but also to retain, diverse professional staffs. Topics include diversity as a multi-dimensional concept; creating an environment conducive to retention; ensuring equity in regard to promotion, professional development, and success; the tenure process in academic libraries; and mentoring…

This paper chronicles ongoing alterations to the organizational structure of the acquisitions department at Pennsylvania State University using the tenets of total quality management (TQM). The movement toward reorganizing for process improvement began in late 1992 when the associate dean of libraries called the acquisitions department together to…