Argues that leadership and managerial skills should be developed in all librarians including children's librarians. The problems of developing managerial skills as a training function of the library organization are addressed and suggestions for an administrator planning such training are given. (EM)

Examines issues of special library management and the emphases in SLA (Special Libraries Association) continuing education courses dealing with these issues. Five courses taught for SLA are described, including one-day courses on management communications, delegation, and effective supervisory skills, as well as seminars dealing with human…

Finds librarians increasingly dependent upon vendors to provide the information needed to make decisions regarding such diverse activities as microform conversion, storage, and library security. Explains the differences between the librarian's needs and the vendor's needs, concluding that a slightly adversarial relationship is healthy. (DMM)

This selected bibliography includes articles on the management of library technical services published from 1980 to the present. Citations are divided among automation, education, personnel management techniques, managing external constituents, and the role of technical services in the library. (Author/CLB)

Discussion of issues in management of library automation includes: (1) hardware, including systems growth and contracts; (2) software changes, vendor relations, local systems, and microcomputer software; (3) item and authority databases; (4) automation and library staff, organizational structure, and managing change; and (5) environmental issues,…

Describes both a dichotomy between library managers and library staff involved in direct service and a supervisory development instrument intended for use by employees to rate supervisors. This instrument, which is included, is designed to encourage an organizational climate characterized by mutual trust and shared values among supervisors and…

This discussion includes a review of Drucker's concept of entrepreneurship, a current management trend in which organizations encourage entrepreneurship and innovation from employees. Drucker's discussion of public service institutions and the relationship of those points to library management are highlighted. (CLB)

A review of the debate within the library profession concerning the changing role of libraries and fee based library services is followed by the presentation and discussion of an economic analysis of library services based on an indifference curve model. This model may be used to justify selected user fees. (CLB)

Argues that problems of managing coexistence of collegial and hierarchical governance structures in university libraries may include accountability, lack of organizational flexibility, time requirements, communication between structures, lessening of librarian's interest in function of line management, potential for goal conflict, and lack of…

Examines recent developments in field of systems theory that can improve library management practices by broadening perspective in which these problems may be approached. The concept of organizational life cycles is discussed and a paradigm for application of its principles is developed. An Rx decision chart is appended. (9 references) (EJS)

Suggests practical steps the uninitiated librarian can take to become familiar with automation opportunities and discusses issues that should be considered in choosing an automation system for the small library. Getting acquainted with computer world, evaluating library environment, and considering options are covered. Eight references are cited.…

Various concepts from "In Search of Excellence" are described in context of authors' personal styles. Discussions address thinking in terms of options, using statistics, learning value of corporate politics, a bias toward action, productivity through people, the "lean-machine" concept, staying close to client, entrepreneurship…

Proposes use of quality circles (QCs)--groups of employees who meet to learn and apply techniques for solving problems affecting work or workplace--to involve library employees in decision-making process and improve morale and product/service quality. Basic philosophy, establishment of QC, and QC techniques are noted. Twelve references are…

Discusses present and future changes in library organization and management resulting from increasingly smaller library units, use of electronics to support decentralized services, new management style, and interlibrary cooperatives. Three strategies for change--to accept change, to change change, to recognize that some things cannot be…

This essay discusses use of an employment contract to serve and protect the interests of both a library director and the library board of trustees. Current problems, advantages of a contract to the board, board solidarity, advantages to the director, the workings of contracts, legal necessities, and limiting tenure are highlighted. (EJS)