Discusses aspects of a good system for library employee performance appraisal, stressing the importance of treating workers as adults and making the appraisal process a two-way exchange. The role of the line supervisor and how to deal with poor performance are also addressed. (MES)

Discusses four themes related to resolving difficulties in library personnel evaluation: (1) the importance of clearly defining performance evaluation and its goals; (2) negotiation theory for dealing with negative results of personnel evaluation; (3) development of a perspective on conflict management; and (4) assertiveness as a foundation for…

Discussion of care and planning given to the implementation of an automated library system highlights informing the staff in the early stages, project management, involvement of the entire staff, the control log, time and money, where and when to go online, and implementation consultants. (EJS)

Examines various aspects of the selection of library administrators, including the search committee process, time delay in candidate selection, group dynamics within the search committee, the perspectives of different constituencies on the search committee, and the qualities necessary for library management. Recommendations are made and a…

Reports results of a survey of large public libraries on incidents of muscular-skeletal injuries associated with use of computer keyboards in libraries. Personnel policies and practices that can minimize injuries are outlined. Sidebars describe the importance of adjustable workstations, steps that employees can take to minimize injuries, and…

Based on data from a 1979 survey of ARL member libraries, this study by the Office of Management Studies analyzes the responses of selected libraries which had provided internal studies or planning documents on the subject of internal communication and notes the extent of resulting changes in procedures. The studies yielded information on staff…

The use of volunteers in special libraries is advocated in this report, which cites positive reasons for including volunteers among the library staff. (Bringing on volunteers during a budget crunch is not considered to be a positive reason.) The special library's relationship with the larger organization's volunteer department is mentioned as a…

Describes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discusses its implications for both public and private libraries. The term "disability" is defined; sources of federal regulations that pertain to libraries are cited; the need for sign language interpreters is discussed; Braille materials are considered; and staff requirements are…

Suggests a model for using a spreadsheet to allocate academic library salary increases. Seven variables are incorporated in the model: (1) experience; (2) difficulty of the job; (3) initiative; (4) cost of living; (5) inflation; (6) equity; and (7) merit. One reference is listed. (MES)

The first of two parts of this document is a basic outline to be used in the preliminary preparation for a library accreditation visit. It is appropriate for use in a range of education/psychology/behavioral sciences libraries in an academic setting, from those of a small college library to those of a departmental library in a university library…

The staff performance evaluation program of McGill University Libraries is based on a hierarchy of objectives in which individual and unit goals are compatible with department, area library, and overall library system goals. Individual goals and performance standards are formulated jointly by the staff member and his or her supervisor according to…

Presents a quantitative method for implementing management by objectives (MBO) in library technical services. Several mathematical formulas show the relationships between such variables as: (1) volume of works; (2) total materials budget; (3) number of staff; (4) working hours; (5) productivity; and (6) tasks. (four references) (MES)

Discusses ways to reorganize private libraries in order to provide better services to users. Specific suggestions are provided for analyzing the library, its staff, and its services, to determine the extent of reorganization needed and to implement change in a manner most suited to the special environment of the private library. (Author/EM)

This report examines the various functions and operations of the shelving unit in the academic library, including staff organization, personnel selection, staff supervision, staff morale, staff training, administrative tools, and equipment utilized. The practical experiences of the shelving unit of the M. D. Anderson Library of the University of…

These guidelines were developed by the bookmobile community that has met in Columbus, Ohio, since 1985 for their annual conference. The guidelines comprise the collaborative effort of hundreds of conference participants and representatives from 79 libraries throughout the United States and Canada, who discussed the guidelines in regional and state…