Nine articles cover topics related to library financial resources: (1) escalating serials prices; (2) library budgeting; (3) entrepreneurship; (4) cutback management; (5) academic library budgets; (6) assessment of library effectiveness; (7) public library fund-raising; (8) capital investment; and (9) unit cost analysis at the Virginia Polytechnic…

Offers strategies for increasing library budgets, based on the pragmatic realities of funding decisions. Strategies discussed include: associating library needs with a more influential constituency; allowing service to deteriorate to intolerable levels; using influential patrons as spokesmen for the library; and appealing to funders' priorities…

Examines laws regarding the retention and destruction of library records. Issues librarians need to address are suggested, including a definition of public records, who determines what records can be destroyed, and penalties for violations; and a sidebar discusses the need for retention of historical records from public libraries. (LRW)

Provides an overview of the facilities for management information in library management systems. Highlights include the relationship between transaction processing systems, management information systems, and decision support systems; a review of previous work; enquiries and standard reports relating to library operations; report generators; and…

Discusses a framework for identifying organizational processes or models within the context of the organization's decision-making processes. Five organizational models appropriate to academic libraries are presented: rational, political bargaining, garbage can, bureaucratic, and participatory. Guidelines for managers include how to distinguish…

Directors of Alabama's 180 public libraries and 21 library systems were surveyed to determine their use and opinions of the "1988 Standards for Public Library Service in Alabama." Replies included feedback on standards directors considered most or least helpful and suggestions for additional standards. Analysis of the responses is…

Discusses how strategic planning can help academic libraries integrate online systems for management of multiple fund accounts. Topics addressed include fiscal management goals and objectives; coordinating systems; the budget calendar; periodicals processing; and supplementary funds such as student fees, awards, legislative appropriations, and…

Discusses techniques to aid library supervisors in planning and conducting a positive performance evaluation conference. Topics addressed include time and place, gathering relevant data, active listening, effective questioning, praise and criticism, and future plans. An annotated bibliography of 48 sources of information on performance appraisal…

Discusses the importance of strategic planning in academic libraries. Topics addressed include the culture of the research institution, benefits of strategic planning, empowerment of the library through planning, and a framework for the planning process. Examples of planning from two university libraries that involved staff, faculty,…

Provides a theoretical overview of decision-making models which are applicable to libraries; presents a framework for comparing the rational, political bargaining, and garbage can models; describes a case study that applied the models to a decision regarding an academic library governance system; and discusses strategies for library managers for…

Discusses creativity as an essential component of effective library management. Creative organizations are characterized as encouraging staff to take calculated risks and tolerating their failures; structuring work groups to maximize creativity; investing in staff development; providing adequate resources for programs and staff; and hiring highly…

Discussion of the attitudes of academic administrators toward academic libraries focuses on a study of 36 liberal arts colleges that was conducted to determine whether results of an earlier study that indicated negative attitudes were still valid in 1988-89. Recommendations for improving the relationship between college deans and library directors…

Discusses a pay system for paraprofessional library staff implemented in 1985 at St. John's University (Minnesota). The nature of supervision required, types of responsibilities, and salary ranges for three levels of library paraprofessionals are described. Problems and benefits of the system are noted. (Three references) (MES)

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

Discusses the role of the public library trustees and considers characteristics that are important for successful library boards, including diversity, active participation, knowledge of laws that authorize creation of public libraries and describe the terms and duties of board members, selection and support of a good library director, and…