People and organizations are inherently political. Library workplace environments have zones of tension and dynamics just like any corporation, often leading to the formation of political camps. These different cliques influence productivity and work-related issues and, at worst, give meetings the feel of the Camp David negotiations. Politics are…

Addresses some problems associated with technological change and examines the nature of data and technology, organizations, and computer-mediated work. Concepts of sociotechnical systems design are related to library automation, and a set of strategies for facilitating technological change is proposed. (29 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes activities of Gustavus Library Associates, begun in 1977 to support advancement of resources of Bernadotte Memorial Library at Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minnesota) and achiever of national reputation for skill at raising money and for quality of its activities. Definable goals and conditions for success are noted. (EJS)

Explores the relationship between libraries and archives, given that archives frequently are located administratively and physically in libraries. The reasons for this organizational cohabitation, and the need to recognize archives as a unit distinct from the library, are discussed. (CLB)

Developments in technology, in organizational structure, and in higher education are placing increasing demands on library managers. The library director, once primarily concerned with finances, and the management of collection, staff, and facilities, must increasingly be concerned with the articulation of values. The formulation and promulgation…

Discusses the positive effects that can be attained in a library when senior management successfully supports library directors, and the importance of understanding the director's role and management style in order to increase his or her effectiveness. (CLB)

Presents results of managerial rotation program (librarians take turns on two-year cycle serving as department head) in medium-sized academic library reference department. An assessment of both the advantages and disadvantages of such a plan examines impact of this innovative and collegial management technique on staff, library, and patrons. (7…

This essay on the future of reference librarianship addresses elements necessary to guarantee continued vitality of the profession. Discussion covers person-to-person contacts with library users, recreational functions of library, fees and "information stamps," organizational structure of library, information consulting, project-team…

Discusses the phenomenon of burnout among human service professionals in general, and librarians specifically, and argues that lack of professional autonomy is the true underlying cause. Suggested measures for eliminating or coping with burnout include activities at the individual, professional, and societal levels. (10 references) (CLB)

Describes a survey of librarians in the California State University that examined the extent of professional staff participation in decision making. Organizational structures that facilitate participative management are identified, and librarians' perceptions of its degree and effectiveness are discussed. (6 references) (Author/CLB)

Reviews traditional issues surrounding authorization and authentication in an organization-centered framework and introduces new interorganizational issues that dominate networked information environment. Describes three major approaches to authentication and authorization for the interorganizational environment and discusses the following…

Examines the characteristics of management information systems and their impact on decisions of senior library managers. The organizational feasibility of such systems is discussed in terms of four key components--economic, technical, structural, psychological--that are related to libraries in general and senior management decisions in particular.…

Briefly describes the automated system as it relates to cataloging processes at each of six university libraries. Areas that have been most affected are noted--authority control, catalog maintenance, decentralization of original cataloging and other technical services functions, enhanced public access to materials, and quality control. (25…

The first author presents 13 qualities or job related factors that librarians should expect to find in a position and defines the administrator's responsibilities in providing these factors. Responses are then presented from the librarian's and administrator's points of view. (CLB)

Discusses the need for innovative management techniques if integrated library systems are to be implemented successfully, as well as the opportunity the installation process provides to reexamine the organizational structure and objectives of the library and to introduce a creative organizational environment. (CLB)