Recommends and describes assertive management techniques for dealing with conflicts or problems in libraries: (1) listening to understand problems; (2) stating expectations clearly; (3) focusing attention on the real issue; (4) explaining situational givens; (5) compromising/negotiating when possible; (6) being persistent and patient; (7) giving…

Drawing on management theory, this article explores the costs, benefits, and sources of organizational conflict in the academic library context. Five responses to conflict (using power, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and problem solving) are described, and guidelines for using problem solving to manage conflict effectively are offered. (14…

Describes management experiences at University of California--Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Minnesota Biomedical Library, and California Institute of Technology. Discussions include development of ORION (UCLA's online technical processing and information system); organizational changes occurring as result of large-scale automation;…

Discussion of Total Quality Management (TQM) highlights its history in business and industry, explains its use in higher education settings, and describes recent quality efforts in library services. Topics addressed include a history of quality; barriers to quality control; examples at Pennsylvania State University; and learning opportunities for…

Describes the Oregon State University library's experience with Total Quality Management (TQM) from initial training and development of two teams to its use as an impartial problem-solving tool which anyone can use. Staff concerns and fears about TQM are discussed, and benefits are explained. (Contains five references.) (EAM)

Summarizes the experience of the Harvard College Library (Massachusetts) with Total Quality Management (TQM) and its plans for a pilot implementation and training process. The strength of the approach is shown to lie in the broadly based membership of the steering committee, commitment to group process, and ongoing communication efforts with…

Describes the restructuring of the Samford University (Alabama) library based on Total Quality Management principles and discusses results of the reorganization. Selection of a planning committee is discussed; techniques for refining objectives and decision making are described; and the assessment of professional and support staff needs is…

Describes a model of Total Quality Management (TQM) developed by the Association of Research Libraries. The issues, elements and processes of a comprehensive TQM-based transition, including commitment by management, linkage to organizational strategic planning, organizational culture, understanding customers, and quality teams are covered.…

Explores the value of Total Quality Management (TQM) for libraries as a management methodology to complement the changing needs of research libraries in light of changing information technology. The planning process for a new academic library which used many TQM elements is described. (EAM)