The Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO) received a grant from the United States Office of Education to develop and demonstrate a statistical data base system for library decision makers. The first quarter was devoted to obtaining background information, scheduling, organization, planning, and design. Achievements included…

At a time when libraries are adopting systems analysis as an integral part of their management structure, systems analysts are voicing grave concern about their ability to deliver the kinds of systems libraries need. (11 references) (Author)

Discusses strategic and tactical planning with regard to implementing technologies in libraries. Strategic planning involves setting parameters for decision making, while tactical planning entails devising ways of dealing with problems created by the new technology. The benefits and dilemmas of both types of planning are covered. Contains 19…

Discusses the need for management information and decision support systems in libraries, and identifies inertia and confusion as the main contributors to the lack of successful implementations. An attempt to initiate a decision support system at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is described, and both problems encountered and benefits gained are…

This paper describes a decision making framework for library networking which can be used by individual libraries, groups of cooperating libraries, or centralized services to evaluate current operations and define alternative approaches to automation and networking. It is noted that networking has not yet achieved its full potential because of a…

This annotated bibliography provides citations for selected English language journal articles and books that stress and address general, broad concerns of the academic library. Following citations of two bibliographies, the citations are presented in six general categories: (l) budgeting (12 titles); (2) decision making (9 titles); (3) directing…

Suggests practical steps the uninitiated librarian can take to become familiar with automation opportunities and discusses issues that should be considered in choosing an automation system for the small library. Getting acquainted with computer world, evaluating library environment, and considering options are covered. Eight references are cited.…

Discusses collection development policy as means to express and systematize guidelines for collection building that fulfill three basic functions: the referential, the generative, the rhetorical. Division of policy into subject categories, and use of "collection levels" to rank the collection and collecting effort for each subject are…

Throughout the history of public libraries in the United States, great accomplishments have been achieved through the active participation of local community members. This handbook from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is addressed to those citizens who attain appointments to their city or county library advisory boards. Its…

To meet future demands for more services with relatively fewer resources, an inhouse management survey was conducted. This paper focuses chiefly on the administration and the technical services division. (JB)

Overview of activities and issues that face library administrators considering automation emphasizes acquisition of turnkey systems. Discussion covers reasons for automating, options available, major marketplace issues, keys to a successful automation project, the Request for Information, the Request for Proposal, evaluation techniques, the…

Describes the role of strategic partnerships between the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the regional library networks. Discusses the evolution of the relationship, cooperative services, training materials development, policy decision-making, conflict among partners, and benefits. (AEF)

A library-furnishings consultant explains important factors to keep in mind when selecting furnishings: demographics; dimensions and budgets; how the interior should look (standard versus customized furnishings and best materials); and electrical considerations (wire management and safe electrical connections). (AEF)

This essay illustrates a technique for reducing the risks of capital investment decisions involving considerable sums for advanced technologies by considering its application to a problem that arises frequently in selection of automated library systems. Incomplete information, using available information, selecting a system, and consultants are…

A library automation plan must not only produce an optimum system, but prepare staff, institution, and clientele for far-reaching change. This change can be accommodated by a functional model consisting of three phases: organization and overview; project expansion; project consolidation and preparation of system plan. Twenty-eight references are…