Although the term lacks a standard definition, learning commons represent academic library spaces that provide computer and library resources as well as a range of academic services that support learners and learning. Learning commons have been equated to a laboratory for creating knowledge and staffed with librarians that serve as facilitators of…

Library public services staff have primarily focused on providing services through interactions with their users. Although service quality and customer satisfaction are important in the delivery of these services, the emphasis and nature of the work have often been influenced by a library-centric philosophy rather than a user-centric philosophy.…

ERM librarians discuss their approaches to electronic resources management for an academic library consortium, the University System of Maryland & Affiliated Institutions (USMAI). They focus on innovation and developing actionable strategies for procedures and policies.

Changes and innovations in higher education learning and teaching acted as a catalyst for rethinking the way in which service was delivered to library clients at Australian Catholic University. The Single Service Point was piloted at one campus library in 2014 to develop a best practice approach to service delivery. The merging of cultures within…

Introduction: This paper discusses an "information in context" design project at Auraria Library in Denver, Colorado which aims to collaboratively create organizational structures and communication systems with and for library employees. Method: This action research project is founded within shared leadership, informed learning and…

As libraries change to meet the evolving needs of our patrons, including the development of online services, many libraries are considering consolidating physical service points to maximize staff and better serve the in-house patron. This article describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation process involved in merging the circulation and…

Describes the Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator and examines its use as a management tool for library administrators to build effective work teams. Successful applications of the method are described, its limitations are discussed, and suggestions for the effective use of this tool are offered. (Five references) (CLB)

Describes the North Suburban Library System (Chicago) experience of becoming a Learning Organization which involves issues relating to management, decision making, knowledge transfer, and empowerment at all staff levels. Discusses teamwork, collaborative efforts, communication, information sharing, annual planning, and staff development and…

Using networked information resources to communicate research results has great potential for academic libraries; this development will require collaboration among libraries, scholars, computing centers, and university presses. Library managers can help overcome collaboration barriers by developing appropriate organizational structures, selecting…

Describes organizational changes made at the Clemson University Libraries. Highlights include the creation of a task force that consulted library personnel, faculty, support staff, and students; changes in the administrative structure; greater employee involvement; changes in the decision-making process; and increased cooperation and…

The need for new standards has arisen in Florida public libraries as a result of the library profession's shift from quantitative, input-based standards to qualitative, output-based standards to measure library performance and excellence. The standards in this document were developed after over 100 participants identified subjects to be addressed…

Considers the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) tools by library managers to develop quality relationships between staff and customers. Topics include building a shared vision, putting the needs of customers before organizational politics, cooperation between levels of employees, communication, teamwork, trust, redesigning processes and…