A team approach to analysis of library operations is suggested. A specific example of staffing library information desks illustrates the complementary characteristics and advantages of using a librarian/consultant team. The example shows how lines of thought are developed by the team and the important aspects of cooperation between team members.…

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)

A comprehensive engineering approach to the analysis of libraries as information service systems is described in which operations research type models are developed and tested for optimizing the design and management of document storage and retrieval processes. Extension of this approach to the development of more comprehensive system models is…

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)

Two parallel streams of work are the subject of this review: (1) the design of a long-range work program and planning process, and (2) the development of analytical techniques which give information about the use of libraries, new or old, and their service areas. The analytical model of library behavior proved illuminating, but is an area of…

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…

Describes the implementation of a user-centered document delivery system at Colorado State University. Evaluates the system via a statistical compilation of system usage and a telephone survey of the service's users. Results indicate that the system usually provided fast delivery at acceptable costs, but fell short as a substitution for mediated…

The development of this management system begins with an exploration of what the library is attempting to achieve. After an investigation of the hierarchy of library objectives, it is concluded that the one objective which satisfies a set of specified criteria is to maximize the expected future exposure of university community members to documents…

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…