This article analyzes characteristics of competition and cooperation, identifies associated benefits and risks, and examines ways in which each strategy can be used by library managers as part of a flexible communication style. Considerations in choosing a communication strategy are noted. Thirty-three references are cited. (EJS)

This paper defines and discusses the nature of management; outlines the primary management functions and activities, emphasizing the importance of communication and coordination to successful management; and examines the place of communication as a management function in the library setting. After a discussion of the key role of coordination in…

Two paradigms of academic librarians are examined: one, "leader" is closely tied to nineteenth-century ideals; two, "manager" reflects democratization and new technology of twentieth century. Highlights include literature of organization (sociology, psychology, political science), patterns of change, Japanese model, and need to…

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…

Differences exist between theory and practice in management, between textbook professional managers and practical general managers, and between specialist technicians and generalists. Library and business school management courses cover theory and techniques used by management specialists, not practical management which is more human, subtle, and…

Argues that the establishment of a solid working relationship with a competent lawyer is a regular part of the business of running a library, and provides practical advice on lawyer selection, fee arrangements, and the ground rules of legal representation. (RAA)

Discusses the tasks of library administration in relation to autocratic, participatory, and contingency approaches to management problems. The psychological and organizational side-effects of the three management styles are considered and a humanistic combination of approaches is suggested. A bibliography is included. (JL)

Recommends that library managers make inexpensive but enlightened changes in administrative policies and work environment to encourage professional development of permanent staff. References are listed. (RAA)

Discussion of productivity in the workplace focuses on libraries, particularly academic libraries. Productivity is defined; opportunities and barriers for productivity in the workplace are explained, including adversity, technology, teamwork, and management styles; and implications for managers are suggested. (16 references) (LRW)

Presents a management model of ethical decision making in librarianship. Highlights include a definition of ethics; ethical concerns in information professions; the concept of social responsibility; ethical dimensions of decision making, including access to information and hiring decisions; ethical considerations for managers; and strategies for…

Legal questions, raised by recent developments in computerized networks and relating to censorship, liability, responsibility and other topics, were explored by means of a questionnaire sent to a selected group of librarians, network personnel, and others. Designed to collect information about existing laws and current problems, the questionnaire…

Discusses factors that contribute to Santa Monica Public Library's excellence, including supportive city government and citizenry, city council, library board, lean top management, and the basic management team. Specific management principles and techniques, public relations, and measures of service at Beverly Hills Public Library are also…

This essay relates author's experiences as librarian, educator, and administrator. Discussion covers elements of good librarianship, art of administration, climate in academic libraries, staff motivation in midst of technological changes, right person in wrong place or wrong person at wrong time, and associations with Keyes Metcalf and Luther H.…

Although the library field is heavily populated by women, management positions are largely held by men. While this imbalance is frequently attributed to such factors as social structure and traditional prejudices, writers on self-esteem generally agree that a positive self-concept is significant for women aspiring to library management positions.…

Portrays viewpoints and duties of Judith Krug, director of American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) and executive director of Freedom to Read Foundation. How libraries can enlist OIF aid, what OIF can do, censorship in school and public libraries, and effects of Reagan administration on censorship are highlighted. (EJS)