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1 – 10 of over 25000
Article
Publication date: 1 February 1988

Linda G. Bills and Linda W. Helgerson

The user interface, in broad terms, is the medium through which the user and the information come together. The types of searches a public access catalog (PAC) can perform are…

Abstract

The user interface, in broad terms, is the medium through which the user and the information come together. The types of searches a public access catalog (PAC) can perform are defined by the indexing strategy and retrieval software. The way the user's interest is communicated to the retrieval software and the way the results are communicated to the user is, by a more narrow definition, the interface software. Both the kinds of searches that can be performed by a variety of CD‐ROM PACs and how their workstations are used to accomplish the searches are considered.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Ahsan Ullah

Differentiation is an important dimension of organizational structure, as it is the building block of organizational structure upon which organizations are based. The purpose of…

Abstract

Purpose

Differentiation is an important dimension of organizational structure, as it is the building block of organizational structure upon which organizations are based. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of differentiation in central libraries of leading universities in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple quantitative methods were used to carry out this research. Structured questionnaire, perusal of organizational documents and observation of library section were used to collect data for this study.

Findings

Majority of libraries have divided the entire library operations into five to eight departments, and acquisition, circulation and periodical sections are created in almost all the libraries included in the sample. Unity of command principle is applied at only the section level, but dual chain of command is prevalent for personnel working under the two hierarchical levels, i.e. section head and library head, as they have to report to both of them. In majority of libraries, average span of control ranges from five to ten personnel for the library head and from six to seven personnel for the section head.

Originality/value

No such study is conducted in Pakistan. This study has identified the levels of differentiation and will guide academic library executives in creating a balance in the levels of differentiation to accomplish the objectives of the organization.

Details

Library Management, vol. 37 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Richard Olorunsola

Bureaucracy is usually associated with the negative consequences of large organisations such as “red tapeism”, unexplained delays, and general frustration. Max Weber assumed that…

1454

Abstract

Bureaucracy is usually associated with the negative consequences of large organisations such as “red tapeism”, unexplained delays, and general frustration. Max Weber assumed that the bureaucratic structure would always be the most effective approach. This study focused on how heads of libraries and practising librarians in selected libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria view bureaucracy within libraries using information obtained by means of a questionnaire and personal observation. It describes their views on the topic. The article concludes by calling on heads of libraries to begin to think more positively, at least with a view to creating a working environment that will de‐emphasise the strict compliance with bureaucratic values, particularly in Nigerian academic libraries.

Details

Library Management, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 22 November 2012

Larry Nash White

Purpose – The broader research question being addressed is whether head library administrators (HLAs) have the competitive nature required to respond appropriately to strategic…

Abstract

Purpose – The broader research question being addressed is whether head library administrators (HLAs) have the competitive nature required to respond appropriately to strategic and competitive pressures in the library service environment. In addressing this broader research question, this study seeks to determine how HLAs perceive themselves and their peers’ competitive behavior with regard to personal hobbies, sports and games, their personal career performance, and their library's performance.

Design/methodology/approach – A census of the 103 HLAs from North Carolina's two-year and four-year academic libraries (including both public and private institutions) and the 77 public library systems in the state was conducted using a mixed methods design survey instrument to obtain information regarding their perceptions about both their own and their peers’ competitive behaviors.

Findings – The survey response rate was 49% and included a sample that reflected an equal distribution of HLAs by library types and the demographics of the study population. An analysis of survey responses indicate that while HLAs do perceive themselves and their peers to be competitive in behavior for their own personal career and their library's performance, they are not competitive in nonwork activities such as personal hobbies or sports and games. The high levels of reported competitiveness in the respondent's and library's performance variables may indicate HLAs are highly motivated in performing competitive behaviors when it benefits their own careers. The extreme lack of reported competitive behavior in the strategy related variable (sports and games) may indicate HLAs are less motivated or ill-prepared in the strategic response skills required to respond appropriately to strategic and competitive pressures in the library service environment. Respondents projected their own perceptions of competitive behavior unto their peers, which indicates HLA perceptions of their peers in competitive behaviors (possibly other areas) needs to be examined in greater detail to assess the validity of these perceptions.

Research limitations/implications – Data analysis was unable to determine any significant statistical relationships between HLA competitive behavior responses and the variables examined. Further research is needed to identify environmental, psychological, or professional variables that may explain the degrees, motivations, and differences in reported competitive behaviors.

Practical implications – Based on the study findings, libraries may not have head administrators who can effectively respond to strategic challenges facing their libraries. Many libraries may have HLAs who are: not as motivated to respond to strategic needs as career performance needs; have a false set of perceptions of their competitiveness or competitive abilities; have a false set of perceptions of their peers’ competitiveness or competitive abilities; and providing a false sense of security to their libraries that believe the HLA that leads them will enable their libraries to effectively respond to the service environment challenges. In combination, these findings indicate that the library's ability to effectively compete/strategically respond may be dependent on inconsistent and potentially unreliable competitive abilities and personal career motivations. This could make developing strategic responses and sustainability more difficult for libraries in the future.

Originality/value – The study is the first of its kind to examine whether HLAs have the competitive nature required to respond appropriately to strategic and competitive pressures in the library service environment. Having a complete and effective understanding of how head library administrator's competitive behaviors work and impact their library's strategic response development is essential in preparing and supporting existing and future head library administrators in leading their libraries in strategic responses. As the library's head administrator is the primary driver of strategy and strategic/competitive responses for their library, the competitive behaviors and their motivations becomes a critical component of the library's success in effectively responding to strategic challenges and being sustainable for meeting future generation's information needs. It is hoped that by exploring head library administrator's competitive behavior in this study, the researcher has laid the initial framework for understanding how a library's leader will competitively respond or be capable of responding to today's library service environment challenges that have become very competitive in nature and require library organizations to continually develop and perform activities that generate increasingly effective strategic performance and value.

Details

Advances in Library Administration and Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-313-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2020

Ian D. Gordon

The purpose of this article attempts to portray the unique and complex role of library middle managers. This important and influential position can be a proving ground for new and…

1507

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article attempts to portray the unique and complex role of library middle managers. This important and influential position can be a proving ground for new and old managers as libraries continue to evolve, adjust policies, introduce new services and meet the needs of their users. Circulation managers as influential middle managers are realistically depicted as busy, overwhelmed and isolated, but welcome the opportunity to provide leadership and enhance their professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint is solely based on the author's varied experiences and personal reflections as a circulation department head providing leadership alongside colleagues in a busy academic library.

Findings

Department heads as managers of circulation departments are pivotal positions in every library. Circulation heads performing as middle managers are responsible for a full range of administrative, managerial and organizational services. Circulation heads are well positioned as change agents simultaneously directing frontline staff members, policies and services while providing valuable insight to library administration. Yet, circulation managers experiencing constantly evolving responsibilities, are too often found to be caught in the middle negotiating inconsistencies. Successful circulation managers require an eclectic mix of essential skills initiating and deploying change, defining success, dealing with people, actively participating in professional development and providing leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The study and research of library middle managers in public and academic libraries is practically nonexistent. As libraries increasingly create, adjust and reinvent library services, spaces and visions due to increasing digitization, in response to emerging online environments and new service models – middle managers and circulation librarians are excellent and proven pivots to negotiate and successfully implement this change.

Practical implications

As a crafted article written by a former head of a circulation department every staff member, student and librarian serving in access/borrowing/circulation departments should consult this article as required reading.

Social implications

The voices of library middle managers are too often muted, not valued and rarely celebrated. This viewpoint article written in a conversational voice depicts circulation librarians as middle managers that bring value to all libraries and should be heard.

Originality/value

This paper depicts the opportunities and challenges faced by, as well as the skills and competencies required by librarians serving as circulation departments heads.

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Waqar Ahmed and Muhammad Shahid Soroya

The purpose of this study was to explore the number, difference and ratio of professionals and non-professionals heading toward non-academic special libraries (NASL). This study…

1659

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the number, difference and ratio of professionals and non-professionals heading toward non-academic special libraries (NASL). This study also explored the difference of provision of services based on educational qualifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative survey research method and questionnaire as a data collection tool was used to conduct the study. The questionnaire contained four educational levels against the 18 services variables. No list or directory being available, 71 special libraries were assured to be there in Lahore through snowball-sampling technique. Out of 71 questionnaires, 41 were returned and analyzed using Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Findings

Findings indicated that 56 per cent of the libraries were headed by LIS professionals, while rest of 44 per cent of the libraries was headed by persons with no professional education. Chi-Square test’s p value indicated the significant difference in the orientation, reference service and document reservation service. The professionally qualified library managers were found better at providing librarians’ end services.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind in Pakistan, which marked the vacant positions and indicated the differences of services based on level of education. It depicted the electronic, librarians end, and technical knowledge and multi-factor services and measured its variation on the educational grounds.

Book part
Publication date: 2 May 2006

Larry Nash White

There have been many challenges and uncertainties in determining the future direction(s) for performance measurement (PM) in Florida public libraries over the years. Social…

Abstract

There have been many challenges and uncertainties in determining the future direction(s) for performance measurement (PM) in Florida public libraries over the years. Social pressures for establishing increased accountability and community needs combined with the library administrators need to respond to these pressures served as the catalysts for the need to evolve PM processes in Florida public libraries.

Details

Advances in Library Administration and Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-403-4

Book part
Publication date: 24 July 2014

Richard Olorunsola

The purpose of this chapter is to report on research that examined the perceptions of selected heads of Nigerian libraries about how gossip can assist in the management of…

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to report on research that examined the perceptions of selected heads of Nigerian libraries about how gossip can assist in the management of libraries of all types. A survey was used to collect data from 40 heads of libraries in the south-west region of Nigeria. The questionnaire contained questions that related to the issues being investigated. The 30 responses (75%) received were processed, analyzed, and the results are presented herein. The study revealed that gossip has indeed helped library management in Nigeria. The heads of libraries reported that they derived some benefits from gossip which helped in decision making. Most respondents agreed that gossip might get out of hand, but said it should be monitored to be used as a positive tool in library management. While the study is limited to 30 libraries, it has applications to similar libraries across Nigeria, and even in other countries. This research provides a better understanding of the reasons why library managers and others should pay attention to gossip and to those behind it because of their influence. This study adds to the body of knowledge about gossip in libraries.

Details

Advances in Librarianship
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-469-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 December 2018

Faiza Tabassum, Syeda Hina Batool, Kanwal Ameen and Mehreen Hassan

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the status (information services, infrastructure, budget, collection and staffing) of public girls’ high school libraries of the Lahore…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the status (information services, infrastructure, budget, collection and staffing) of public girls’ high school libraries of the Lahore city. Lahore is the second largest and hub of educational institutions in Pakistan. Resource-based learning is the basic right of all citizens. School libraries support teaching and learning with best available information resources. In Pakistan, fewer studies have reported the status of school libraries, and keeping in view the significance of early education, the present study highlights the situation through a qualitative lens.

Design/methodology/approach

For an in-depth analysis of the situation, qualitative research approach was used. The data were collected through interviews and observation technique. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with the students of grade IX and X to find their school libraries’ perceptions.

Findings

The findings revealed that the overall status of school libraries was unsatisfactory. Libraries were facing many problems such as lack of staff, budget, place and poor infrastructure issues. It was also found that economic geographical location of schools was not the factor affecting the status of libraries; rather, the schools’ head was mainly responsible for the better condition of the libraries.

Research limitations/implications

The study has implications for educationists, librarians, library schools and library professional organizations to make effective policies. However, the findings cannot be generalized and can be applicable in a similar context.

Originality/value

The study is based on MPhil thesis and is significant to be added in global school librarianship literature.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 68 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2021

Esther Arinola Arapasopo and Clement Ola Adekoya

The current scourge of COVID-19 in educational enterprise requires that libraries tame the wave of the pandemic through effective leadership. This paper aims to investigate library

Abstract

Purpose

The current scourge of COVID-19 in educational enterprise requires that libraries tame the wave of the pandemic through effective leadership. This paper aims to investigate library leadership in Nigeria and COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research design was used for the study. A structured questionnaire designed with Google Form and administered online was used to elicit data from 137 heads of academic and public libraries and their deputies in South West, Nigeria.

Findings

It was found that transformational and transactional leadership styles were more effective than laissez-faire style in managing libraries during crisis. Library operations were reduced during the COVID-19 era, and communication and meetings were conducted via social media. The spread of the pandemic was curtailed through enforcement of the use of face mask and nose covers and awareness campaign through posters and handbills.

Practical implications

It is the library heads with effective leadership styles that will be productive in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study is novel, as it approaches the handling of COVID-19 in libraries from the perspective of the leadership styles of the library leaders. No studies have emanated from Africa in this area. The few available narratives are centred around the Western countries. Meanwhile, managers of libraries in Nigeria are not immune to leadership crisis in the handling of the COVID-19 in their respective libraries.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 50 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 25000