Which management models currently being advocated in professional writings are being adapted by science librarians in academic libraries?

IntroductionLibrary management is key to the smooth

operating and ability of libraries to serve their patrons. One type of library within the academic world is the science library. These libraries have special operations and circumstances that make them unique.

This research project will attempt to find out which management models being advocated in professional writings are being adapted by science librarians in academic libraries, and whether they are actually gaining access to the information that they need.

Research AreaWhat management theories are being used in academic libraries by science librarians.

LiteratureRecent Publications including professional library science and business journals and books

ContentBest current practices and perceived needs, implemented practices and sources

Questions

1.How do contemporary publications meet needs for management in science libraries?

2.What do science librarians consider the most important needs in management practices?

3.Are there any gaps between what is published, what is reaching the librarians and/or what is wanted?

DesignScience librarians at three libraries are targeted for initial input conducted by telephone interview.A literature review will be conducted using keywords and phrases to access what is actually available in current publications (2006-2008) that could include library science and academic business journals and books on management theory.

Data analysisQualitative: Input from LibrariansQuantitaive: Content analysis by keywords and phrases, librarian responses tallied

Data collectionShort open questionnaire Literature review

Answer questio

ns

Target subjects for maximum variation

Obtain key information about publications and issues

Phrases and keywords for literature analysis

Step 1 - Select subjects

• A large state university (39,524 students) in an urban setting with medical and dental schools, aeronautical and engineering programs and traditional hard sciences at both graduate and undergraduate levels. In 2004 it was awarded the Academic Libraries Award, which recognizes the top university research library in the country. There are 47 science librarians employed at the university.

• The second library is also a large (23,655 students) State university with important science programs in agriculture and veterinary medicine. It has specialized libraries for both of these programs. It is located in a rather isolated rural community and has 23 science librarians.

• The third is a private liberal arts undergraduate college with one of the highest acceptance rates for their students at graduate programs in science, including medical and engineering. It is a small college (1,500 students) with a large library that employs 19 librarians, all considered generalists but three specifically serve the science departments.

And 3 Libraries . . .

Initial contact by email

Telephone interview

Step 2 - Interview

Time to thinkComfort levelFeel valuable

Interview QuestionsWhat management issues concern you?

What professional publications do you read?

Which publications have you found to be most helpful?

Are there any noticeable gaps in available management information?

Are there any authors in the field that you would particularly recommend?

Step 3 – Literature review

The publications cited by the librarians will become the basis of the literature review, although it is also important not to limit it to those publications. Using the key words and phrases from the specialty publications cited by the librarians, it will then be fairly simple to cross reference and see if other academic publications in business or library science may also contain useful information about management. Hopefully the results will indicate what further research may be most useful to these librarians as well as giving a good picture of the information currently available to them.

Limitations•Only a

proportional selection of the librarians at the three academic libraries

•Only articles and books published since 2006

Timeline

2

14

3

5

7

9

8

6

1. Write research proposal2. Contact target subjects

3. Conduct interviews4. Compile results

5. Conduct literature review6. Analyze findings7. Write 1st draft

8. Revise9. Submit for approval

Potential Sources

• http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Online_Training_Resources_for_Librarians• Perspectives, Insights, & Priorities: 17 Leaders Speak Freely of Librarianship

Norman Horrocks• Beyond the Basics: A Management Guide for Library and Information Professionals

G. Edward Evans• Learn Library Management A Practical Study Guide for New or Busy Managers in Libraries

and Other Information Agencies Bob Pymm and Damon D. Hickey

• Strategic Planning and Management for Library Managers Joseph Matthews

• Managing in the Information Age Ann E. Prentice

•Urban Academic Librarian •Training and Education •Library Trends •College & Research Libraries•Library Management •Library Administration & Management •Library & Information Science Research •Journal of Library Administration •College & Undergraduate Libraries

•Teacher Librarian •International Library Review •College & Research Libraries News•Evidence Based Library and Information Practice •British Journal of Academic Librarianship•Science & Technology Libraries •Resource Sharing and Information Networks •Quarterly Bulletin of the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists •Medical Reference Services Quarterly •New Review of Academic Librarianship •Advanced Technology Libraries •American Libraries

Journals

Books, Web