In this article, the author addresses the importance of having orientation for new librarians. During their crucial first few weeks on the job, the author claims, new librarians need as much hands-on, real-world training as they can get. If they are ushered to the information desk without an introduction to the staff interface of the catalog or to…

Although a librarian for only eight years, Corinne Hill is already known in Dallas and Denton, TX, for turning dull, little-used branches into vibrant community centers. A stylish woman with a zest for shopping, Hill loves developing new collections and showing them off. She sees no reason why a library should not be as attractive as any good…

Are librarians doing all they can to ensure that customer services are delivered with the customer in mind? Librarians are great at helping, but we sometimes need help with identifying customers, defining their needs, developing services, and reviewing the processes behind the services. Fourth Generation Management provides new insight for…

As libraries change to meet the evolving needs of our patrons, including the development of online services, many libraries are considering consolidating physical service points to maximize staff and better serve the in-house patron. This article describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation process involved in merging the circulation and…

Disaster preparedness is an important issue in library management today. This article presents a general overview of the theoretical aspects of disaster planning in libraries. The stages of disaster planning are a circular process of planning, prevention, response, recovery, preparedness, and training.

Chris Dodge, a renowned alternative pressologist and the librarian at "Utne" magazine, has been known to say, "Every library should be a special library." In order to meet this challenge, the librarians at Barnard College decided to start a collection of underground publications known as zines. In this article, the author describes how librarians…

The purpose of traditional copyright law was to encourage the creation of works based on and to ensure reasonable access to original thought. Despite this harmonious intent, an intrinsic tension exists between libraries and copyright holders, as the former promotes "free" access to information that ultimately reduces the income of the…

Personal Digital Assistant serials are not just a subset of electronic serials from an acquisitions/collection development point of view because of their total dependence on patron-owned technology. Even if viewed as a "free" resource there are issues of expense and effort involved in gathering, classifying, and providing access and awareness of…

Important factors in managing a public service institution include knowing the publics served, phasing out an old program when introducing a new one, defining the roles of administrators and professionals, integrating individuals and the institution, and making the public aware of the value of the service performed. (PF)

Outlines the major issues which special libraries will face in the next decade. (Author/PF)

A simplified form of utility theory is applied to libraries to provide a tool for defining library goals and analyzing library behavior. (Author/PF)

This paper describes and provides documentation for the development of a signage system for the Maine State Library. A brief description of the process is accompanied by copies of the Request for Proposal (RFP); a score sheet used to evaluate the offerings of various companies bidding for the contract and the results of the evaluation; a copy of…

This paper surveys the history and development of some of the major theories and concepts of leadership: (1) the trait approach--research focusing on personality characteristics presumed to set leaders apart from others; (2) leader behavior--what leaders actually do; and (3) situational variables--characteristics of the particular situation.…

The major reasons which seem to be preventing operations research from achieving its potential and fulfilling the expectations of its proponents in library management are explored. (Author)

The function of library management is seen as different from the functions of librarians performing as professionals. (Author)