Examines job classification studies in public libraries, focusing on point-factor classification systems. Discusses job descriptions, job auditing biases, preparedness, what not to say to auditors, and the appeals process. Outlines typical factors in a job classification: decision-making, guidelines, education, experience, complexity, supervision,…

Suggests ways of improving productivity for public libraries faced with increased accountability, dwindling revenues, and continuing inflation. Techniques described include work simplification, work analysis, improved management, and employee motivation. (RAA)

Suggests that the main reason for the presumed surplus of librarians is that these professionals refuse to defend, let alone expand, their territorial boundaries from "experts" who decide results independently of library staffs and budgets. Argues that librarians should provide better service, rather than encouraging self-service and that certain…

Provides detailed outline of a process for establishing a merit pay plan for public libraries, including guidelines for developing a job classification scheme and salary schedule, evaluating personnel performance, and making merit pay decisions. (CLB)

Defends the master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association as a valid minimum educational requirement for library practice at the professional level. Issues that undermine this requirement are discussed and actions that the profession can take to strengthen this position are identified. (nine…

Discusses results of a survey conducted by "Library Journal" to ascertain to what degree librarians' jobs were evolving and why. Highlights include the major influence of technology; experiences of a reference librarian at the University of California at Berkeley; and professional and support staff perspectives at academic, public, and…