For optimal allocations of limited funds, it is necessary for libraries to develop measures of output. Various forms of user exposure to documents are discussed in an effort to develop such measures for public libraries. It is suggested that the accrual method of accounting be used to compare such measures with costs. (40 references) (Author/NH)

Systems analysis, in this context, is not the process which is the necessary prelude to library automation; it is something more basic. It involves seeking out the fundamentals of a situation and applying scientific methods to their study, to find an optimal solution to the problems facing the manager. (20 references) (Author/TW)

This paper deals with the critical needs of organizations to cope with external stress and change. The concept of "competence" is analyzed into the components adaptability, reality-testing, identity, and integration; and each component is discussed. Data are presented from a HumRRO project, which had as its objective that of determining the…

Any general systems approach has five basic elements, which serve as the tasks for the researcher using systems analysis. The five are (1) the objectives, (2) the alternatives, (3) the costs, (4) the model (or models), and (5) the decision rule. With these five steps, the researcher should be able to specify the objectives, select alternatives,…

Research was conducted to develop and gather evidence of validity for a normative process model to be used by community adult education councils in establishing priority among community-level needs. The study design was based on a five-stage problem solving, systems model involving exploration, model building, design and development, validation,…