In this first book-length study of collective bargaining by library support staff employees, Professor Kusack addresses issues that will help to determine the future of the nation's academic libraries. He begins by discussing current trends and the history of collective bargaining in university libraries. The collective bargaining literature dealing with white collar and clerical employees is reviewed, and implications for libraries--especially possible changes in compensation levels and shifts in productivity--are considered. The results of a comparative study of more than 200 university libraries with and without staff unions are presented in detail. The analysis provides information on how unionization affects compensation patterns, selected employment policies and practices, and personnel and budget characteristics; and it examines the relationships between environment variables, including the type of institutional control and the level of unionization in the state and region. Finally, the author summarizes the results and possible implications of this and other research and suggests techniques and areas for study that might prove productive.

Monograph on labour relations respecting librarians in the USA - covers the recruitment, occupational status and working conditions of librarians, trade unionization, collective bargaining, labour disputes, etc., discusses the social role of librarys and their financing problems, comments on labour legislation on equal opportunities, and includes a glossary of collective bargaining terms. Bibliography pp. 183 to 188 and references.

In addition to providing students with a solid foundation in library management, with its structured, practical knowledge this impressive volume will also benefit experienced managers.