A trustee of a Canadian public library discusses issues that must be addressed by the library board when the library staff forms a union. Suggestions are provided to aid in dealing with a union. (CHC)

Describes a study that (1) compared the amount of professional input into the decision-making process between board administered and municipally integrated public libraries, and (2) examined the relationships between levels of centralization (participation in decision making and hierarchy of authority), complexity (occupational specialties,…

Discusses responses to a 1990 survey of 21 Chief Librarians of medium-sized public libraries in Ontario regarding experiences working with the Library Board. Topics addressed include the powers and role of the board, balance and limits of power, informing the board, working with the municipality, the working relationship, clarifying expectations,…

Discusses the impact of the lack of autonomous boards of trustees on Quebec's public libraries and the political factors that influence decision making about the libraries. Organizational structure, public support, and financial support are covered. The author concludes that municipal governments do not give public libraries enough status.…

This paper discusses the legal basis for the National Library Board's national role for library development in Singapore. It examines the new National Library Board (NLB) Act 1995 and the direct and expanded responsibility it has given the NLB for the national and public library functions in Singapore. The paper also examines the various…

Leadership abilities of male and female chief executive officers (CEOs) of 54 Ontario public libraries were evaluated by 272 board members and management or professional staff. CEOs generally rated high on all criteria; they were evaluated more highly by board members than by staff. Male CEOs were perceived to be more effective at securing…