A pilot study conducted to identify concerns of public services middle managers on costing and use of performance measures found the librarians interviewed had little faith in their usefulness. Implications of these findings are discussed and specific ways to increase the usefulness of such measures for library decision-making are suggested. (CDD)

Reports results of survey of 21 smaller to medium-sized (50,000-200,000 volumes) libraries which was conducted to determine factors used to make selection decisions in purchase of automated turnkey systems from established vendors. Factors examined include costs, software, hardware, and vendors for parts A (actual experience) and B (hypothetical…

Describes the organization and automation plan of the Bibliotheque Nationale (Paris, France) that was begun in 1981. Highlights include the method of moving toward computerization; technical choices; the choosing procedure (pre-qualification, bench-mark test); short term and pilot operations; and preparation for the implementation of the…

Discusses four potential problem areas in the employment of temporary librarians in a variety of positions in academic libraries--orientation, supervision, acceptance and integration, and utilization--and notes the influence of time limitations on the work environment. Solutions are suggested, and further research is proposed. Fourteen sources are…

Relates experiences of University of Rochester's main library during complete renovation of the central reference department including the addition of a full-service reference station. Topics covered include planning the reference station, solutions to seven design requirements, increase in staffing and reference questions after one year, and…

Discusses features of online library catalogs and their cost characteristics, including financial management and planning (hardware and software options, turnkey vendors); approaches to cost analysis (actual experiences, building blocks); baseline estimates for two average academic libraries; and vendor estimates. Forty-five references and a…

A 700-volume specialized library was organized at average cost per title of less than $1.50 despite lack of personnel and limited funds. A plan was developed to classify titles using Library of Congress and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and a cataloging service was located to produce card sets and book labels. (EJS)

The Assessing Quality on Digital Reference team conducted two site visits at Florida Libraries in August 2001. The objectives of these visits were to: document how digital reference services are currently being planned for, delivered, and evaluated in libraries; understand how "quality" in digital reference is defined in these…

The following information is provided in this annual report: names and positions of 1996 Board of Trustees members, Library of Michigan Foundation 1996 Board of Directors, legislative council, alternate members, and Library of Michigan staff; the library mission; a list of 10 major administrative tasks conducted in 1996; service and technological…

Library service is one of the critical elements for designing a successful distance program in terms of learner support at a distance. Before a library service can be developed, three questions need to be answered: First, what are the expectations and needs of students and faculty in online programs? Second, what kinds of library services are…

Since 1989, the Reference and User Services Association/Management and Operation of User Services Section's Management of Reference Committee has successfully used case studies to foster structured discussions among public service librarians on a wide variety of issues relating to managing change in reference services. The information offered in…

Long regarded as the premier monographic series in its area of coverage, "Advances in Library Administration and Organization" offers research perspectives that are both timely and lively. This 18th volume continues the series' long practice of bringing to its professional and academic readership an eclectic mix of scholarship and longish essays.…

Discusses the effective use of stack space through weeding, storage, microfilm, and selection; study space based on student population; and service space by reorganization of staff, collections, and study space. Three references are noted. (CHC)

Although telecommuting has been found to increase productivity and morale in business environments, libraries rarely consider it. This article discusses telecommuting's potential impact on contact with users, length of employment, job descriptions, budgets, management style, communication, and workflow. This option may help libraries retain older…

The financial environment within library and information services is reviewed and a structure for financial management is presented based on funding source and level of commercial activity. Objectives for financial management of library and information services is developed and reviewed in light of future trends and stakeholder perspectives.…