Discusses the importance of strategic planning in academic libraries. Topics addressed include the culture of the research institution, benefits of strategic planning, empowerment of the library through planning, and a framework for the planning process. Examples of planning from two university libraries that involved staff, faculty,…

A study based on a model developed by Henry Mintzberg examined the internal and external managerial roles of 126 New England college and university library directors. Survey results indicate that the 97 responding directors were primarily involved with internal managerial roles and work contacts. (CDD)

Argues that performance measures for student employees in academic libraries should set expectations for their performance and become management tools to motivate, evaluate, and reward them. Management literature on full-time employees is modified to fit students' needs, i.e., that they are part-time and not necessarily motivated by the work…

Two dominant motivational theories are reviewed--valence-instrumentality-expectancy theory and reinforcement theory--and discussed in terms of management, motivation of professional staff, rewards for achievement, and needs consistent with both theories (affiliation, power, achievement, competence). A 17-item annotated list of references is…

Discussion of the acculturation of academic librarians to faculty positions focuses on the processes of acculturation, including selection, sequestration, instruction and apprenticeship, sanctioning, certification and sponsorship, and mentoring. Difficulties with this process specific to librarians are considered, and suggestions for improving…

This article reviews major contributions to participatory management theory (formal involvement of people besides administrators in the governance of an institution of which they are a part); examines the arguments of library proponents and critics of the theory; and draws conclusions about its application in libraries. Thirty-one references are…

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…

Explores the implications of changes to be expected within foreseeable future (1985-95) in environment, mission, functions, and operations of academic libraries for librarians and librarianship. Context of academic librarianship, governance, faculty status, the library's information economy, marketing information to end user, and possible futures…

Presents results of survey of 48 academic library directors on use and effectiveness of public relations (PR) programs (planned PR programs administered by one person, coordinated PR programs, favored channels of communication, importance of academic library PR). Recommendations based on survey results and review of literature are offered. (22…

The implementation of work redesign techniques described or similar advanced methods of organization and work system design should allow academic libraries to respond more effectively to rapid changes in user demand and improve the quality of working life of their employees. Included are 44 references. (Author/RAA)

Describes a study that examined changes in the directors of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries from 1970-89. Directors' characteristics are discussed, including gender, previous position held, age, and highest degree; library characteristics are described, including size of collection and expenditures; and literature about…

Literature analysis indicates that surveys are not widely used in the planning process for academic libraries because of difficulties with design of user studies, translation of survey results into management decisions, and acceptance of survey data by librarians. Trends such as competition from private information sources will force a change in…

Examines the nature of authority as embedded in organizational and professional structures within an academic library context and its relationship to the fit between the organization and the environment. Self regulation and formal participation are introduced as alternatives to traditional strategies for decision making. (CLB)

Discusses the organization of academic libraries and considers the question of centralization versus branch or departmental libraries. Issues that are raised include cost, administrative difficulties, interdisciplinary access, user expectations and demands, the role of faculty, and prospects for the future in light of technological developments.…