Discusses techniques to aid library supervisors in planning and conducting a positive performance evaluation conference. Topics addressed include time and place, gathering relevant data, active listening, effective questioning, praise and criticism, and future plans. An annotated bibliography of 48 sources of information on performance appraisal…

Discusses creativity as an essential component of effective library management. Creative organizations are characterized as encouraging staff to take calculated risks and tolerating their failures; structuring work groups to maximize creativity; investing in staff development; providing adequate resources for programs and staff; and hiring highly…

Academic libraries now hire an increasing number of individuals to fill professional librarian positions who do not have the master's degree in library science. Academic libraries are also creating a wide range of new professional assignments that demand diverse educational backgrounds. Additionally, responsibilities formerly carried out by…

Legislation affecting scientific libraries in Finland is reviewed in the areas of staffing, inter-library cooperation, library financing, qualifications for scientific library posts, economic administration, and planning. (RAO)

This 48-item annotated bibliography includes recent, substantive materials on automated circulation systems of all types (batch, online, in-house, commercially packaged) with emphasis on online turnkey systems. Items are categorized into five general sections: general overviews, vendor-specific information, case studies, patron acceptance and…

Proposes a systematic procedure for analyzing performance problems in the library which is intended to minimize costly misjudgments and guide the manager toward remedial steps likely to resolve the problem(s). The nature of performance discrepancies, skill deficiencies, job descriptions, and personal problems is discussed. (EJS)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of job-sharing as an alternative to part-time employment in libraries and describes a job-sharing experiment at the Parson Branch of the Public Library of Columbus and Franklin County. Six references are included. (CHC)

Changes in the library profession have increased the level of job-related stress. Describes a public librarian's efforts to deal with employee stress; discusses symptoms of stress and assessing levels of stress; ranks stress factors in order of severity; describes the action plan; and lists management techniques to minimize stress. (PEN)

Discusses the need for management information and decision support systems in libraries, and identifies inertia and confusion as the main contributors to the lack of successful implementations. An attempt to initiate a decision support system at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is described, and both problems encountered and benefits gained are…

Illinois libraries and library districts should be aware of the employment "at-will" doctrine in their hiring, firing, and employment policy decisions. Because changes in the law require greater scrutiny of employment manuals and policies, recommendations are made for reducing administrative burdens, record keeping, reviewing employment…

Suggests guidelines to be followed by library administrators and managers to deal effectively with changes caused by the introduction of automation or technology projects within a library. The need for planning is emphasized, staff participation is stressed, adequate training and preparation are discussed, and financial planning is considered.…

Discusses the need for library directors to have micromanagement skills and presents five scenarios of problems that need micromanagement. Topics include knowing when to intervene, the need for strong personnel policies, relationships with councils and trustees, and the need for continuing education in management skills. (LRW)

The 40 tables of this report summarize information about libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in fiscal year 1996. Includes information about public library service measures, administration and staffing, and other characteristics. (SLD)

Presents the concept of building an effectiveness pyramid to align and utilize all major aspects of a library's organization to support and improve the effectiveness of the library. Describes the three levels of the pyramid and how they relate to library effectiveness: the individual; enabling skills and tools; and organizational structure and…

This study was performed to analyze characteristics of a team-based organization introduced lately to many academic libraries in South Korea. The major areas of exploration included the introduction of the team approach, team empowerment, leadership of team leaders, open communication, and the director's commitment. The study used a survey design…