"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…

A study conducted at Wichita State University reveals that slightly less than two-thirds of the work day of the catalogers was spent in actual cataloging. Accounting for all expenditures of time in whatever kind of activity affords also a sensible basis for a reorganization of departmental work flow. (Author)

As research libraries have grown, a trend has developed to recruit specialists to support the administrative and technical functions of the library. Business, planning, automation, personnel, and facilities specialists are among those currently employed. Libraries which utilize such specialists experience significant gains in flexibility to…

This case study of the libraries at Columbia University analyzes the libraries against the backdrop of contemporary trends in higher education. New management styles and approaches to the utilization of professional personnel are recommended. The report presents detailed suggestions for implementing the change recommendations. (KB)

Zero Based Staffing/Services (ZBS/S)--a management tool designed to portray the relationship between the people or staff of an agency and the services they perform--was used in this study to inventory library services and staffing at the Central State University Library and provide a long-range planning analysis for library and university…

In 1971, a management consulting firm undertook a case study of the Columbia University libraries to improve library performance by reviewing and strengthening the organization and recasting staff composition and deployment patterns. To implement the study's recommendations, an administrative structure was proposed which would emphasize functional…

Based on an in-depth study of the staffing of the California State University (CSU) libraries at Pomona, San Bernardino, and San Francisco, this report examines the adequacy of the formulas used to allocate staff to the 19 CSU system libraries. Focused on the impact of library staffing on the ability of students and faculty to access and use…

The rapid growth of university libraries in recent years required changes in the ways of dealing with staff including the re-evaluation of personnel procedures and policies. Changes were brought on by laws regulating fair employment practices, equal opportunity of employment, and affirmative action and by the rising demand of staff to be consulted…

Presents results of survey questionnaires sent to 49 university libraries requesting information concerning work schedules for public service librarians and gives suggestions for dealing with extended hours and flexible schedules. (CWM)

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…