Bent on improving the teaching and learning experience, enhancing the productivity of researchers, and increasing the visibility of research outputs, libraries are redistributing staff, reallocating resources, and reorganizing internal structures, all to better partner campus-wide. Nowhere is the impact of this push for service innovation and user…

Librarians often become de facto graphic designers for their libraries, taking responsibility for designing signage, handouts, brochures, web pages, and many other promotional, instructional, and wayfinding documents. However, the majority of librarians with graphic design responsibilities are not trained as graphic designers. This exploratory…

This study examines the evolving roles and responsibilities of entry-level academic reference positions, as stated in recent job advertisements posted on the American Library Association's JobLIST Web site and other sources. Findings from a content analysis of these advertisements indicate that current entry-level reference positions in academic…

This narrative, single-case study examines how liaison librarians at the University of Minnesota (UMN) came to include advocating for reform of the scholarly communication system among their core responsibilities. While other libraries may hire a coordinator or rely on a committee to undertake outreach programs, UMN has defined baseline expertise…

Describes the responsibilities and recommended qualifications of a youth services department head. The importance of attention to statistics and library policy is emphasized. (MES)

Examines trends contributing to a high attrition rate among academic library directors: (1) growth of enrollment; (2) changes in the university presidency; (3) proliferation in university management; (4) changes in the world of learning and research; (5) inflation; and (6) technology. Other pressures and possible solutions are also discussed. (10…

Discusses the use of volunteers in public libraries. Topics include types of volunteers; differences between volunteers and paid employees; a volunteer job description; problems with volunteers; managing volunteers; volunteer procedures; and examples of successful volunteer programs. (LRW)

Discusses a pay system for paraprofessional library staff implemented in 1985 at St. John's University (Minnesota). The nature of supervision required, types of responsibilities, and salary ranges for three levels of library paraprofessionals are described. Problems and benefits of the system are noted. (Three references) (MES)

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)

In this article, the author describes a management manual she maintained while working as a school library media specialist. She started the manual when she was a student in the organization and administration course in the library science program and kept it current with information gleaned from conferences, workshops, and networking with other…

Designing curricula around the standards, with clearly delineated strategies, expectations, and evaluative procedures, is thought to assure that growth in student achievement may be tracked. While this process can sometimes be nebulous, one thing is certain: clearly understanding what is involved in reaching a degree of excellence and determining…

Details a method of setting up and administering a career resource center in a public library. Gives specific sources of information and materials. (JOW)

Librarians are the ultimate knowledge managers. Everyone knows that. After all, haven't they been the custodians of documented knowledge for centuries? Who could possibly do it better than them? Well, then why aren't people knocking down their doors, begging them to be the knowledge managers of the organisation? Are they just ignorant of how…

In the day-to-day operation of a library media center, service is the most important job. A library media specialist is employed to be of service to your students, teachers, administrators, and parents, but according to "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning," prepared by the American Association of School Librarians, the school…

This article describes background and study process used by a committee of librarians and library administrators at Cornell University that has, over the past few years, significantly changed the structure of the paraprofessional staff classification scheme. Job Review Committee recommendations and job titles by "family" (library aide,…