The problems of managing libraries have been multiplying. The operations of libraries have become increasingly complex, involving in many cases mechanization, centralization, and computerization of library services. The size and scope of collections have grown rapidly as they attempt to keep up with the geometric expansion of knowledge, and so have the variety of services offered or contemplated and the expectations of users. These kinds of change and growth have made it more important than ever that libraries utilize comprehensive frameworks for planning and decision making concerning their operations and resources, and the major focus of this book is on the development of such analytical frameworks for university and large public library systems. "It is in the spirit of making a contribution to the development of such frameworks," Professor Hamburg writes, "that this book has been written.... Since there is an inseparable need not only for improved library statistical data systems but also for the above-mentioned frameworks for rational planning and decision making, we have devoted considerable effort to the development of analytical models that might assist library administrators in making decisions that would maximize the flow of benefits imparted to the communities the library serves. Some of the results of this model-building effort are reported in these pages.... "Some of the methods discussed in this text fall within the discipline known as management science (or operations research). There is a large communications gap between librarians, who use English to make themselves understood, and management scientists, who routinely use mathematics as a language. We have tried to communicate clearly to those concerned with library management, and, except in parts of Chapter 4, we have managed to keep the presentation on a verbal rather than a mathematical level." The six chapters are entitled Introduction and Summary, Library Objectives and Overall Performance Measures, A Framework for Library Decision Making, Library Models and Empirical Findings, Development of a Management Information System for Libraries, and Higher-Level Decision Making.

The PLA Results Series has long served to help public librarians envision, evaluate, and respond to community needs with distinctive programs and services. Building from this proven model, Strategic Planning for Results is the fully revised version of Planning for Results, the foundational book in this groundbreaking series. Sandra Nelson, senior editor of the Results Series, focuses on the essential steps to draft a results-driven, strategic planning process that libraries can complete over the course of four months, regardless of organizational structure or size. Reflecting on the current planning environment for public libraries, Nelson makes the case for strategic rather than long-term planning and includes a wealth of information about understanding and managing the change process to help staff Assess the change-readiness of the library and preparing staff to implement forthcoming changes Simplify data collection and decision-making processes through the use of 14 reproducible workforms Identify service priority options and reach agreement as a group Successfully present and communicate within their library Including the newly revised and adopted Public Library Service Responses, along with case studies, workforms, and tool kits, Strategic Planning for Results offers librarians a wealth of ideas to effectively meet changing community needs.

Planning a new or refurbished public library means considering not only facilities for collections, services, staff and users, but examining also the local context, reviewing the library image, and developing relationships with other community facilities and agencies. This book examines the entire gamut of challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries; their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding. The helpful presentation and readable style guides the librarian through the preliminary information-gathering and decision-making process that ensures a successful library building for all concerned. Using practical case studies, plans and photographs, the author tackles the critical issues of siting, size, plans and design concepts, and provides a helpful guide to weighing up the alternatives of refurbished, converted and new buildings. Separate chapters focus on the planning, briefing and construction process; security, safety and sustainability; key characteristics of successful buildings; identity, decor and signage; and interior layout and facilities. The text draws together a vast resource of real library examples from all over the world which provide best practice models and lessons to learn. For funding authorities, librarians and architects of public libraries this is a highly informative book that will help to ensure wise decision-making and prevent costly mistakes.

Libraries enter into strategic planning by a variety of routes, from dynamic technology and rising costs to budget cuts and pressure for change. In this book, Joe Matthews guides library managers towards a greater understanding of the role and attendant responsibilities of strategic planning. Academic, public, and special librarians alike will benefit from Matthews' cogent explanations, real-life examples, and time-tested recommendations. In the process, Matthews addresses such intrinsic questions as: Why is it important that I add strategic thinking to my managerial arsenal? How will strategic planning benefit my library, and is there more than one way to go about it? What is the best way of monitoring and updating our strategic plan for maximum effect? In each case, he debunks false impressions, attends to the goal of providing good service, and identifies at least one new way to communicate the library's strategic importance in the lives of its customers. Academic, public, and special librarians alike will benefit from Matthews' cogent explanations, real-life examples, and time-tested recommendations.

SHORTLISTED: CMI Management Book of the Year 2017 - Management Futures Category Data is changing the nature of competition. Making sense of it is tough; taking advantage of it is even tougher. There is a clear business opportunity for organizations to use data and analytics to transform business performance. Data-driven Organization Design provides a practical framework for HR and organization design practitioners to build a baseline of data, set objectives, carry out fixed and dynamic process design, map competencies, and right-size the organization so everyone performs to their potential and organizations have a hope of getting and sustaining a competitive edge. Data-driven Organization Design shows how to collect the right data on organizations, present it meaningfully and ask the right questions of it to help complex, fluid organizations constantly evolve and meet moving objectives. Through the use of case studies, practical tips, and sample exercises, it explains in detail how to use data and analytics to connect all the elements of the system so you can design an environment for people to perform, an organization which has the right people, in the right place, doing the right things, at the right time. Whether you are looking to implement a long-term transformation, large redesign, or a one-off small scale project, Data-driven Organization Design will guide you through making the most of organizational data and analytics to drive business performance.

Financial Planning for Libraries stresses the need for libraries to weed out expenditures which do not contribute to their basic role--the collection and organization of information--when planning where and when to spend money. It illustrates how priorities and goals must change in accordance with changes in libraries'roles in the information world.

Essays on evaluation techniques for library reference operations in the USA - includes a guide to measurement and planning of services, communication and interview techniques in user-librarian behaviour, computerization of information retrieval, data base structure (includes a case study of a law information system), choice of collections, etc. References.