This overview of library finance issues examines governance issues at the state level, the nature of state enabling legislation, the organizational framework at the state level, state-local relationships, constituency characteristics and requirements, and governance characteristics at the local and regional levels, as well as the need for improved…

Examination of several library legislation models developed to meet the needs of developed and developing nations reveals that our traditional notion of the library's role in society must be abandoned if we wish to reconcile its benefits to its costs. Four models currently exist: many nations, particularly Asian, have no legislation; most nations,…

Polish library legislation enacted since World War II is directed to the establishment of a library network, centralized in concepts and goals, but decentralized in administration and operation. Dating from 1774 when the Commission for National Education first issued regulations for schools and libraries, there has been continuous legislative…

Twelve functions are briefly described which should be included in planning space for library staff. They are: (1) Administration, (2) Other Supervisory Offices, (3) Work Rooms, (4) Circulation Desk, (5) Reference Desk, (6) Staff Lounge, (7) Custodian Space, (8) Bookmobile Staff, (9) Books by Mail, (10) Interlibrary Loan, (11) Reserve Room, and…

Librarians may most effectively promote library legislation needed to further the goals of libraries and library service through legislative lobbying activities. The legal basis for library legislation exists in the undisputed fact that libraries are agencies of learning and therefore merit the same legislative attention as schools. The most basic…

Information technology plays a role both in library administration and in the use of information resources. Viewed in historical perspective, the "computer era" is just beginning, and the prospect of the "electronic book" is good. Librarians must be computer-literate and lead students and the public in the use of new…

An aspect of library legislation which is generally ignored is legislation that promotes the utilization of academic libraries to maximize the potential of a nation's resources. From the available literature it would seem that library legislation in developing nations still conforms strictly to the traditional view that library legislation should…

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)

Economic pressures on the information industry and on libraries are significantly affecting the nature of services and the organization of work within libraries. These effects are illustrated by three phenomena: emphasis on productivity in libraries, marketing of online database searches through libraries, and the repackaging of library services…

Often when total quality management (TQM) does not live up to expectations, that failure is a sign that implementation of TQM was simply fashionable "management hype" or "window dressing" without strong organizational underpinnings. TQM can have staying power when it is backed up by leadership basics of training people…

Statistics are basic to the legislative process and must be available in a form quickly and easily perceived to support library legislation. There should be a sound statistical base, fleshed out with practical examples, to impress legislators and lay persons. Communication of statistical data to decision makers requires a sound public information…

Library studies in institutions of higher learning in socialist countries regularly include studies of library legislation. The topic is integrated into course syllabuses and textbooks, and is discussed in detail in such courses as "Organization and Management of Librarianship" taught at all library educational institutions in the USSR.…

Suggests nine requirements for a contingency plan to assure a library's successful recovery from a disaster. A discussion of the salvage team, security, and staff problems follows an enumeration of helpful supplies and equipment. Appended is a sample emergency procedure checklist. (SW)

Federal and state legislation which provides funds in support of library programs and legislation that has financial implications for libraries are reviewed with examples from public and academic libraries. Implications of accepting library funds, the impact of the Copyright Act law, Title II-C of the Higher Education Act, postal regulations, the…

As our society moves increasingly from an era of affluence to one of scarcity, the evaluation and assessment of publicly supported services will become even more crucial and necessary to ensure that public resources are being expended in the most effective manner. Evaluation of library service effectiveness is defined in this paper in terms of…