Analyzes the skills required of systems librarians as indicated by job advertisements. Three broad responsibilities are identified: planning, installation and implementation, and maintenance. It is concluded that lack of understanding of how computers function as tools in libraries has impeded a clear definition of the duties of systems…

Describes the recent history of technical services organizations with an emphasis on their labor intensive approach, and offers alternative solutions to technical services staffing needs. Methods suggested include changes that will result in smaller staffs, greater reliance on clerks and paraprofessionals, and a shift of funding to public service…

Discusses the need for administrators of library technical services to be leaders, if they are to cope effectively with changing technologies. The ability of leaders to effect change, apply critical thinking skills to problems, plan, and motivate staff is examined in terms of the development of technical services. (7 references) (CLB)

Presents a multifaceted approach to identifying facility needs in academic libraries that applies different evaluation methods to different functional areas, defines problems from more than one viewpoint, and considers the interrelationships of various areas. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are discussed using examples from its…

Describes the impact of automation on the responsibilities of both support and professional staff as well as evolutionary role of library assistants at Texas Tech University. Workflows for retrospective conversion of monographs and serials, current processing techniques, and the organization of the processing units are discussed. (Author/CLB)

Discusses the need to cope effectively with technological transitions in library technical services and to plan for successful staff development. The areas discussed include changing job skills, financial planning, ergonomics, innovative partnerships, training, and an emphasis on human resources development. (21 references) (Author/CLB)

Reviews the literature on outcome-based education (OBE) and discusses its application in library instruction and reference service, particularly in the introduction of new information technologies. Suggests that an OBE approach in the planning stage can help determine if an information resource is beneficial to the users. (Author/LRW)

Examines the impact of automation on the future of library technical services. The areas discussed include the functions of technical services, how those functions are changing and will be organized, and the qualifications and recruitment of future technical services staff. (85 notes with references) (CLB)

Describes technological and societal changes affecting libraries and advocates for transformational leadership. Strategic planning, creativity, innovation by substitution, intrapreneurs, gender differences, changing metaphors, risk taking, and communication are discussed; and the difference between managers and leaders is explained. (Contains…

Addresses the topic of digital libraries from a planning perspective and examines policy issues. Discusses developing collections by providing access to remote files and/or creating a local collection; funding; considering what to digitize; copyright issues; storage costs; converting paper-based collections and catalogs; and reasons why to…

Eight articles discuss issues and strategies related to library personnel training necessitated by new technologies. Areas discussed include vendor training; aligning library planning, resources, and commitment to integrated library system staff training; training for public services; instructor-led versus computer-based training; leadership…

Considers changes in academic libraries that are occurring as a result of information technology. Topics discussed include the environment, including attitudinal, behavioral, and structural changes, funding, strategic planning, and Total Quality Management; electronic journals and books; multimedia; desk top publishing; publishing economics;…

Describes the development of California Institute of Technology Libraries' local database of articles from science and engineering journals and its integrated document request and delivery feature. It is noted that not all journals received by the libraries are in the database, backfiles are limited, and coverage is not comprehensive. (five…

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…

The 16 articles in this issue focus on planning for future trends in public library administration. Topics discussed include leadership qualities; administrator education; collective bargaining; funding and budgeting; governance; user fees; collection management; community involvement and support; special population groups; services to educational…