Suggests guidelines to be followed by library administrators and managers to deal effectively with changes caused by the introduction of automation or technology projects within a library. The need for planning is emphasized, staff participation is stressed, adequate training and preparation are discussed, and financial planning is considered.…

Describes four library retreats held by the Bowling Green State University library staff from 1995 to 1998. The retreats reflect changes in library work and management theory that have occurred. The importance of technology to library work is recognized, but there is also a growing realization of the importance of developing a flexible staff…

Discusses library planning that is needed when changing from one computer system to another. Topics discussed include change theory; the need for communication between library administration and staff and between the library and its users; phased implementation; training for library staff and for users; and the need for documentation. (seven…

The support of electronic services requires special skills and in many cases more, not fewer, staff hours. Each library must develop individual solutions to this dilemma, but many will find useful a model that incorporates three basic elements: utilization of experienced librarians, targeted recruiting of entry-level librarians and creative…

Traces the history of student academic library employees and reviews the related literature on the changing role of library student assistants. Highlights include changes in libraries' organizational structures; and administrative issues concerning recruitment, interviewing, training, motivation, and employee retention. (LRW)

Discusses pertinent issues with an urban public library director, including recent financial, demographic, and technological changes; developing partnerships within the community; service philosophy; communication with staff; and fundraising concerns, including management skills. (LRW)

Discusses changes taking place in the library systems of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Topics reviewed include the influence of Soviet Russian library theory and practices; decentralization of library administration; library finances; library education; library employment; library technology; and censorship and collection policies.…

This paper begins by discussing the need for strong leadership in libraries to create adaptable organizations and to involve employees in the management process. The attributes of the new library leaders who can reach these goals are then discussed. It is suggested that they must: (1) be excellent communicators of values, goals, and new…

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…

The primary areas of concern challenging Missouri's libraries as they move from the 20th to 21st century can be divided into three major themes and two sub-themes: current library services and operations; technology and information access; and leadership and funding; and training; and operation. Librarians and library clients are concerned about…