A forum of five articles discusses the lack of new master of library science (MLS) degree holders being educated to support the potential of library automation, and the resultant hiring of non-librarians to cope with technical details. Suggestions for developing managerial competence in the automation area through education initiatives are…

Discusses the impact of new technologies on library operations and management, and the need for librarians to understand how to manage technology and utilize it to improve library services. The areas which library education should address to prepare librarians to deal effectively with new technologies are outlined. (CLB)

Presents a model that can accommodate staff preferences when determining a reference desk schedule using a microcomputer, the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, and the linear programing software LP83. (eight references) (MES)

Discusses corporate sponsorships as a new source of library funding. Highlights include maintaining the library mission, visible endorsement of organizations, use of written guidelines and contracts, and the traditional library role as a "bankable strength." A sidebar describes the Fund for America's Libraries, a source of information on…

An Association of Research Libraries survey of Alabama public university libraries revealed that disabled populations on campuses were not being served; 27 questions were divided into categories of general information, management and training, space, and general services. Reasons for lack of preparation included lack of knowledge and funding. The…

Describes a prototype reference collection management system that uses a relational database management program to automate traditional library processes such as library inventory and shelf-reading. Examines reference collection management criteria and system considerations, and reviews the database's characteristics and its benefits to libraries.…

Discussion of the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in higher education and academic libraries focuses on the identification, collection, and use of reliable data. Methods for measuring quality, including benchmarking, are described; performance measures are considered; and benchmarking techniques are examined. (11 references) (MES)

Discusses the ethical issue of whether librarians should acknowledge unresolved personnel problems with job candidates and considers stages at which decisions should be made about divulging such information to potential new employees. Relevant literature is reviewed, and examples concerning hypothetical cases are offered. (21 references) (LRW)

Discusses the concept of a mentor and addresses the need for women to develop and use mentor relationships to succeed within the library environment. Topics addressed include myths and female career development; the importance of the informal organization; female socialization and achievement-directed behavior; and how women view power. (19…

Provides an overview of Japanese management theory and suggests applications to library administration. Highlights include participative management; shared decision making; long-term objectives; organizational philosophy; staff training and human resource development; strategic planning; staffing issues; cooperation; quality control; and total…

Urges the design and implementation of strategies in academic libraries for the development of leadership potential. Discusses the components of organizations that lead to organizational maturity, and calls for library leaders with vision, skill, and commitment to nurture an organizational culture that emphasizes leadership development. (20…

Examines the neglect of library support staff within the context of six areas of library management: physical facilities; effective and efficient work stations; supplies; attitude toward human resources; communication and information; and performance evaluation and feedback. Graphs present data on expenditures in several areas, and suggestions for…

Reviews the literature on computer simulation modeling for library management and examines whether simulation is underutilized because the models are too complex and mathematical. Other problems with implementation are considered, including incomplete problem definition, lack of a conceptual framework, system constraints, lack of interaction…

Applies the resource dependence approach from open systems theory and the negotiated social order perspective to discussion of nine directors of four California public libraries between 1977 and 1989. Topics addressed include the libraries' communities and financial positions, the impact of Proposition 13, the changing environment, negotiation…

Considers appropriate responses that public library leaders should be making in an environment of technological change. Topics discussed include the library mission and its role in dealing productively with change; library leadership in local government; community information; integrating technology into library management and operations; library…