As virtual worlds continue to proliferate globally, libraries are faced with the question of whether to provide information services to virtual patrons. This study, utilizing a mixed-method approach of interviews, focus groups, and surveys, represents one of the largest studies of virtual libraries attempted to date. Taking a holistic perspective,…

The Joetta Community Library (JCL), a simulation of a public library in a small midwest town, is a practice library for students in a general library administration class at the master's degree level. Students using the JCL simulation assume the position of director, from initial hiring procedure to assumption of the position and involvement in…

This essay proposes the use of assessment centers, designed to simulate real-life situations and identify managerial skills, as a possible solution to dilemmas of current administrative personnel selection practices in academic libraries. Background, setting up the assessment center, obtaining assessment expertise, and legal implications are…

Describes the historical use of assessment centers as staff development and promotional tools and their current use in personnel selection. The elements that constitute a true assessment center are outlined, and a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages for employers and applicants focuses on positions in library administration. (10…

Reviews the literature on computer simulation modeling for library management and examines whether simulation is underutilized because the models are too complex and mathematical. Other problems with implementation are considered, including incomplete problem definition, lack of a conceptual framework, system constraints, lack of interaction…

Describes the emphasis of decision support systems as being on the decision making process itself, rather than the flow of information; reviews the uses of microcomputers in libraries in recent years; and compares five decision modeling software packages. An appendix lists the name, manufacturer's address, price, and hardware requirements of each…

Describes a simulation language--the Integrated Network System (INS)--which lends itself to modeling library operations and presents a simulation in which the circulation department of a university library was subjected to 10- and 20-percent increases in public demand and the efficiency and human resource needs of the department were analyzed.…

Reports on emergence of decision support system (DSS) as a practical approach for applying computers and information to problems facing management. Information processing and decision making in organizations, simulation-model-based DSS in management of library resource sharing networks, and a resource-sharing simulation system are highlighted.…

Analyzes problems which inhibit group learning and considers factors which, in the perceptions of students and teachers, contribute to effective group learning, within the context of an academic library simulation for teaching library management to students. Practical strategies to develop educators' and trainers' skills in managing group learning…