"Research Library Issues" ("RLI") focuses on current and emerging topics that are strategically important to research libraries. The articles explore issues, share information, pose critical questions, and provide examples. This issue includes the following articles: (1) ARL Library Budgets after the Great Recession, 2011-13…

Several models and methods applicable to university library networks are discussed as tools to increase understanding of cause and effect relationships in these complex organizations. Collection of data by unobtrusive measures and display of information by graphic techniques are briefly described. (Author)

The reserve book activities of a typical college library were analyzed by means of a computer simulation. (Author)

Describes a theoretical instructional development model for planning college and university bibliographic instruction programs. Potential advantages of the approach are identified and specific application of the model is encouraged to gain empirical data and refine the methodology. Ten references are listed. (RAA)

Relates experiences of Center of Business Research (CBR) in C. W. Post Center, Long Island University, as practical demonstration of performing business service in an academic library setting. Changing role of librarians, background of CBR, CBR's commitment, CBR corporate membership, administration of fee-based services, and membership revenue are…

The two-phase effort at Clemson University to design a comprehensive library automation program is reported. Phase one was based on a version of IBM's business system planning methodology, and the second was based on a linear model designed to compare existing program systems to the phase one design. (MLW)

Presents results of managerial rotation program (librarians take turns on two-year cycle serving as department head) in medium-sized academic library reference department. An assessment of both the advantages and disadvantages of such a plan examines impact of this innovative and collegial management technique on staff, library, and patrons. (7…

Examines the problem of measuring library performance objectively, with particular attention to the service rendered to the users of the library. (Author)

Describes a simulation language--the Integrated Network System (INS)--which lends itself to modeling library operations and presents a simulation in which the circulation department of a university library was subjected to 10- and 20-percent increases in public demand and the efficiency and human resource needs of the department were analyzed.…

This paper examines the importance of contracts in formalizing agreements between libraries to provide services to off-campus students and describes the development of one such contract. Topics addressed include: (1) the value of contracts in clarifying responsibilities and elevating contracted services in the hierarchy of institutional…

A major conclusion reached by 18 university, academic and administrative officers, library directors, economists and management specialists, who met in October 1981 to explore issues related to the financial management of academic research libraries, is that current approaches to cost reduction are only short-term solutions. These approaches are…

Predictive equations from Marchant's research on participative management and job satisfaction were tested using same data collection procedures and instruments that had been used to study 22 major U.S. academic libraries in 1970. Management style was again found to be best predictor of librarian satisfaction in academic setting. (17 references)…

Describes the development of a model for competency at Rutgers University-Camden's library that can be used in the hiring process as a tool to evaluate job candidates for technical services positions. Interview experiences using the model, both with current employees and with prospective candidates, are discussed. (five references) (LRW)

Chronicles the process of change begun at the Harvard College Library in 1990. Key factors are analyzed, including support from the University Library, Association of Research Libraries, and Council on Library Resources; strong leadership; organizational development; composition of task forces; time frame; concurrent changes; and development of a…

This document applies theories of participatory management to a proposal for a model that uses a team approach to staffing university library reference centers. In particular, the Ward Edwards Library at Central Missouri State University is examined in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of its current approach. Special attention is given to…