Explains the principles and mechanics of double-entry bookkeeping as a part of the accounting cycle to produce a functioning set of accounting records. Suggests that libraries need to have accurate and timely information about their spending to gain financial control and protect against fraud and abuse. (LRW)

Discusses financial and physical asset protection in libraries based on principles of internal control. Elements of internal control are explained: reliable personnel; physical safeguarding of assets; separation of duties; adequate documentation; independent checks; proper procedures and authorizations; and bonding, job rotation, and enforced…

Discusses the accelerating pace of change that librarians must cope with and suggests looking to the private sector for strategies to become more comfortable with change. Describes the five disciplines comprising the learning organization culture: systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, and team learning. (LRW)

Considers how libraries can build and manage a work force that is sensitive to and mirrors the increasingly diverse population they serve. Defines diversity; describes the experiences of the city of San Diego (California) in developing its "Diversity Commitment" and the involvement of the public library in the program; and provides…

Offers suggestions and strategies designed to enhance skills for planning, motivating, and implementing organizational change for librarians assuming the role of change agent. Highlights include the human side of change, including fear and anxiety; and a process model of change that includes three stages: endings, transitions, and new beginnings.…

Discusses how managers can handle change and cope with stress, describes a number of books that address these issues, and relates them to library administration. Highlights include organizational change; stress reduction; human behavior and the tools of change; communication skills; leadership strategies; and the use of humor. (LRW)

Discusses the leadership skills necessary in libraries to address two current society trends: (1) a desire for empowerment by both staff and users; and (2) the demand for adding value to people's lives. Highlights include library service improvements; responsibility; the need for libraries to change; and compelling visions of the future. (LRW)

Presents three articles that discuss customer service in libraries, with a focus on planning for service management, a customer service program for library staff, and a quality improvement process. Highlights include developing and implementing service strategies, dealing with requests, redefining work relationships, coworkers as customers,…

Examines the call for change in academic libraries and the role of team decision making in planning. Discusses necessary components of a team decision-making model and authority boundaries in team management. Describes team management in Information Sciences at Oregon State University. (AEF)

Considers the cost of employing student temporary workers in academic libraries and suggests they be replaced with fewer full-time staff. Topics include the trend toward contingent, or temporary, employment; management problems; core employees; cost effectiveness of student employment, including poor productivity and training needs; and evaluating…

Provides insights from experienced managers that may be useful for newly appointed library managers or directors, and details the issues they will face as supervisors. Highlights include decision making and change; motivation and delegation; general observations about management, such as coping with stresses; clarification of goals; and ethics.…

Presents recipients of the 1995 American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Buildings Awards Program. Most descriptions contain: names of the library, library director, and architects; library location; historical background; and building description including photographs, site plans, square footage, collection and…

Examines the purpose for using historical costs in library financial records. Discusses the difference between spending money and losing resources. Describes how financial record systems operate and the ways in which accounting treats classes of expenditures. Uses the example of a bookmobile. (AEF)

Discusses the use of email in library communications based on experiences with the technical services staff at Duke University. Topics include self-organizing systems; increases in productivity; appropriate open communication; manager responsibilities; training staff in effective and productive uses of email; and the continuing need for human…

This study counted managers of academic, public, and special libraries to determine the number of managers by gender. Findings indicate male managers outnumber females in large public libraries and large/medium-large academic libraries; however, the overall numbers give females a three-to-one advantage in management. (AEF)