Because of the high incidence of special-collections thefts and embezzlements during the past decade, library management must reassess its "user friendly" philosophy for both library patrons and employees. An internal control system is described. Causes of theft, and policies and procedures for protecting the collection are discussed. (AEF)

Addresses the problems of how theft in libraries and archives is discovered, the proper aims of any recovery plan, actions that must included in the recovery plan, and the impact of a theft and recovery effort on the department. Offers concrete solutions vital to any recovery effort. (AEF)

This theme issue presents eight articles that discuss managing changes in technical services in academic, research, and public libraries. Topics discussed include new technological products and services; personnel; budgeting; planning; online library systems; the relationship with public services; organizational structures; bibliographic access…

Reports on a survey of university libraries that gathered data on the effects of replacing an existing automated system with a new one, i.e., NOTIS. General library automation and management statistics are reported, changes in staffing patterns and personnel are described, changes in organizational structure are discussed, and training needs are…

Considers the challenge of leading a research library that is between directors. Discusses issues involved in the transitional period of "acting" directorship. Outlines recommendations for acting directors: seek advice; negotiate well in the beginning; consider the staff; state an objective; build consensus; and consider cautiously the candidacy…

Fourteen articles address issues related to library personnel administration in an automated environment, such as education for automation, salaries, impact of technology, expert systems, core competencies, administrative issues, technology services, job satisfaction, and performance appraisal. A selected annotated bibliography is included. (MES)

Compares interlibrary loan data from a 1995 survey of Greater Midwest Research Library Consortium and Association of Research Libraries members with a 1989 survey. Shows an increase in transaction to staff ratio and a negative correlation between transaction to staff ratio and lending fill rate. Relates factors affecting productivity, such as…

This case study describes the use of an information technology vendor conference to assure the smooth opening of a public library in Portland, Oregon. Vendors for hardware, telecommunications, integrated library systems, and networks met with library administration and staff to troubleshoot problems and share information and to ensure a timely…

Identifies the tasks that the library administrator must complete if the collection is to successfully withstand censorship. Using an analogy of the construction, arming, and manning of a "citadel," a strategy is presented which is adaptable to the broadest range of attack on collection, acquisition, and dissemination policies of…

Suggests that credibility and communication are keys to expanding library funding and that library leaders must be aggressive in forging connections both within their institutions and among their communities. Discusses fiscal responsibility and upper administration, finances and staff, and development work. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the organizational structure of academic libraries focuses on a study that examined how the work of academic librarians is structured and whether the traditional functions of public services and technical services are still separated. Topics addressed include the role of subject specialists, attitudes toward reorganization, and…

Presents information on law enforcement relating to library crimes. Discusses jurisdiction, reporting a loss, law enforcement response, law enforcement's expectations, suspects, publicity, the aftermath, and testimony in court. (AEF)

Firm policies and procedures that address the environment, patron/staff behavior, general attitude, and care and handling of materials need to be at the core of the library/archival security program. Discussion includes evaluating a repository's security needs, collections security, security in non-public areas, security in the reading room,…

A survey on employee turnover was administered in five Ohio public libraries, eliciting information on common reasons for and against remaining at a given position. The study found that although there are many reasons for staying, as many as 45% of respondents say they have thought seriously about leaving their job in the last 12 months. Contains…

Defines electronic text centers as tools for digital collection development in the humanities and describes experiences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in developing an electronic text center. Considers staffing, standards for encoding and describing electronic texts, hardware and software selection, and partnerships with the University of…