The downturn in the economy has taken its toll on libraries. Even in the best of times, most libraries have to work with budgets that are barely adequate to support their essential activities. In these recent months, the recession has subtracted significant funds from the parent organizations of many libraries: city, county, and state governments;…

Addresses principles of library budgeting and applies them to planning for library computerized services. Ways of anticipating costs and dealing with hidden costs are described. Further discussion focuses on computer upgrades and levels of computer access. Ground rules for coping with budget planning are outlined. (Contains seven references.) (KRN)

Describes the use of electronic spreadsheet software for library decision support systems using personal computers. Discussion covers templates, formulas for allocating the materials budget, LOTUS 1-2-3 and budget allocations, choosing a formula, the spreadsheet itself, graphing capabilities, and advantages and disadvantages of templates. Six…

Account of process followed at large academic library in preparing for automation of acquisition and fund accounting functions highlights planning criteria, local goals, planning process elements (selecting participants, assigning tasks, devising timetable, providing foundations, evaluating systems, determining costs, formulating recommendations).…

Describes a computerized decision support system based on circulation data that was developed to assist the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library in materials acquisition budgeting and other library management decision making. The budget allocation model is explained, and implementation and testing of the decision support system is described.…

The use of analytical models and quantitative methods for both short- and long-range problem solving offer library managers an excellent opportunity to improve and rationalize decision-making for strategic and organizational planning. The first step is to identify the problems confronting the library and understand its current capabilities.…

Two articles explore the process of budgeting for library technical services and the impact of automation on this process in terms of equipment expenditures. The second article describes the retrenchment and fund raising activities of a public library in financial difficulty and their effects on future plans for the library. (CLB)

Explains the planning process in designing effective library facilities and discusses library building requirements that result from electronic information technologies. Highlights include historical structures; Americans with Disabilities Act; resource allocation; electrical power; interior spaces; lighting; design development; the roles of…