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)

Examines recent developments in field of systems theory that can improve library management practices by broadening perspective in which these problems may be approached. The concept of organizational life cycles is discussed and a paradigm for application of its principles is developed. An Rx decision chart is appended. (9 references) (EJS)

Systems analysis, in this context, is not the process which is the necessary prelude to library automation; it is something more basic. It involves seeking out the fundamentals of a situation and applying scientific methods to their study, to find an optimal solution to the problems facing the manager. (20 references) (Author/TW)

The greater organizational complexity of libraries and information centers in recent years has given rise to more complex problems for managers. To facilitate solutions, operations research (OR) techniques have been developed that consider the quantitative dimensions of problems along with their political and organizational aspects. Eight standard…

The two-phase effort at Clemson University to design a comprehensive library automation program is reported. Phase one was based on a version of IBM's business system planning methodology, and the second was based on a linear model designed to compare existing program systems to the phase one design. (MLW)

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…

Discusses the relationship between effective organizational communication and specific library contexts and reviews the historical development of communication audits as a means of studying communication effectiveness. The generic structure of such audits is described and two models are presented in detail, including techniques for gathering and…

Proposes a method for the review of the administrative organization of libraries in which user function categories and specific basic library services are related to organizational structure. A structural inventory and mapping technique for determining the design characteristics of the organization is described. Two tables and two figures are…

A research group at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, worked on the development of a system to provide the required statistical information for effective management and decision making in university and large public libraries. A management science approach was used. Library objectives, standards, and performance criteria were…