Notes that library literature has begun to treat the subject of merit systems with the help of management theory and claims that, with the assistance of both fields, it should be possible to develop a progressive evaluation system for library personnel. (Author/JD)

This discussion of goal setting as a means of directing organizational, supervisory, and individual achievement presents the factors involved in goal-based planning at these three levels within the library context, including planning strategies, evaluation methods, and possible problems at each level. (CLB)

This fifth and final lesson on library evaluation focuses on the evaluation of library personnel. Highlights include standards for comparison of employee's characteristics (ideal traits, productivity of other employees, job-related behavior), and Management By Objectives (involves mutual goal setting between manager and subordinate). Five required…

Types of performance evaluation for academic librarians are discussed, noting strengths and weaknesses--formats, relative ranking system, dimensionalized ranking system, management by objectives, and degree of participation. Use of appraisal program to aid library administration in monitoring ongoing activity, planning ahead, and motivating…

Presents a quantitative method for implementing management by objectives (MBO) in library technical services. Several mathematical formulas show the relationships between such variables as: (1) volume of works; (2) total materials budget; (3) number of staff; (4) working hours; (5) productivity; and (6) tasks. (four references) (MES)

Discussion of performance appraisal in nonprofit organizations and the difficulties involved in obtaining accurate job feedback examines four types of appraisal: behavioralism; minimal model; heuristic knowledge; and tacit information from in-house experimentation. Conclusions are drawn about the usefulness of these approaches and a suggestion for…

Discusses some of the main considerations that relate specifically to the head librarian of a public library as an individual in the role of administrator. These considerations include personal attributes of the head librarian, the internal administration of the library, and external relations with the trustees, local government, and general…

Describes a performance management approach to library personnel management that stresses communication, clarification of goals, and reinforcement of new practices and behaviors. Each phase of the evaluation process (preparation, rating, administrative review, appraisal interview, and follow-up) and special evaluations to be used in cases of…

Describes some characteristics of the modern organization that affect contract or negotiated management and identifies changes in approach relevant for library and information organizations management now and in the future. (EM)

Seven articles on library reference services highlight reference obsolescence in academic libraries, major studies of unobtrusive reference tests, methods for evaluating reference desk performance, reference interview evaluation, problems of reference desk control, online searching by end users, and reference collection development in…

This theme issue focuses on "creating the library's future" through creative library management. Seven articles provide a variety of perspectives on particular library management styles and approaches to library issues. The planning process, creativity in the work place, and innovations in libraries are discussed. (MAB)