Library scholars and practitioners have frequently reflected on the various factors that in combination make up a hospitable library, but there has been little theoretical synthesis of the notion of the library as a place of hospitality. The hospitality industry provides a rich vein of theoretical material from which to draw definitions of…

Each year, "Library Journal" recognizes 50 or so emerging leaders in the profession as Movers & Shakers. These library professionals are passionate about the work they do and are moving the profession forward, often in creative and innovative ways. Some of these individuals enjoyed and were encouraged by amazing institutional support and…

Applies the cognitive system engineering approach to investigate human-work interaction at a corporate setting. Reports preliminary analysis of data collected from diary analysis and interview of 20 subjects. Results identify three dimensions for each of four interactive activities involved in human-work interaction and their relationships.…

Describes informal leadership opportunities for library staff. Identifies three key characteristics: vision, courage, and the ability to make things happen through others. Discusses requirements for successfully leading from below; hostile, neutral, and supportive environments; and benefits. (AEF)

Oral histories of retired Australian librarians show the sexual division of libraries from pre-1950s to the 1980s. Discussion includes the appeal of on-the-job training; public and private roles of women; the marriage bar; discrimination; lack of skill recognition; wage inequities; feminist resistance; sexual harassment; unions; and electronic…

The content of library science journals, by sharing information about technology-based change, may affect the organizational structure in which librarians and staff work, their expectations for using technology, and their need for libraries to become, to a greater degree, learning organizations. This article deals only with print journals. (AEF)

Discusses online resources on ergonomics for librarians seeking to improve working environments or planning for staff and public work areas. A sidebar lists electronic addresses for 10 online sites for information including: World Wide Web sites, the Library of Congress gopher, archives on avoiding typing injuries, and electronic mailing lists.…

Addresses the new roles and responsibilities for public library support staff in the constantly changing environment of the digital age. Flexibility, initiative, ability to adapt to a changing environment, along with the technical knowledge and expertise are all important attributes of successful candidates for positions. (AEF)

Discusses the state of outsourcing in American libraries. Highlights include objectives (to reduce cost, increase the quality of service, and achieve a better price/performance objective); operations that can be outsourced; pros and cons; changes in the way library personnel view their work; outsourcing in special, public, academic, and federal…

Current library automation practices and new technologies have forced library managers to seek some means of reducing carpal tunnel syndrome, and a case study of Texas A&M's library provides insights. Highlights include identifying and assessing the injuries, adjusting work surfaces, testing and selecting new keyboards, and developing…

Reviews change strategies implemented by Harvard College Library (Massachusetts) in response to environmental changes and increased technological developments. The library increased productivity and innovation, and improved the work environment through staff and organizational development. (JMV)

Library leaders promote reconsideration of organisational purposes, processes, and relationships at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, USA. Systems thinking, fortified by information literacy, informs workplace changes that provide learning experiences transferable to better alignment of library outcomes with…