A key area affecting library management is the effective and efficient management and development of information systems. The concept of an information systems development methodology (ISDM) is a management approach that has been virtually ignored in the context of library management. Provides a critique of the literature relating to ISDMs with a view to exploring their use by libraries in the future. Examines the historical development of ISDMs, followed by a definition of the term, and an outline of the requirements for ISDM. Subsequently discusses themes in information systems development in relation to the main types of ISDM associated with them, leading to a consideration of the problems with ISDMs and with their usage. Outlines the need for the further refinement of ISDMs in the light of these problems. Finally, suggests theoretical reasons for the use of ISDMs by library managers.
This paper considers the conceptual problems of information and knowledge within the context of twentiethcentury economic theories. Whilst information as a commodity and as a concept may be too complex to be articulated within neo-classical economic models, such models still provide the framework within which economic arguments are conducted. Of central importance is the idea of the market as a transmitter of information. Keynes' approach advocated government intervention to address the problem of market information failure and to return the economy to equilibrium. Conversely, the philosophical position of the New Right is that State intervention is unnecessary and that an unfettered market, closely tied to a 'spontaneous order', is both a suitable conveyer of information, and also provides a means for the efficient allocation of resources. However, given the informational problems inherent in economic theory, it is argued that, paradoxically, the free market requires an active and interventionist State to operate efficiently.
Public library service to the full-time employed is a topic which is sparsely covered in the library and information science literature of the UK. The full-time employed are one of the largest segments in the public library market and, as failure to provide an effective service to this client group is a direct contravention of the statutory duty of public libraries, it is a topic worthy of investigation. Assesses and evaluates current service provision to this large market segment using the marketing mix as an analytical framework. Identifies and discusses the discrepancies between the needs and wants of this client group, and the services which are provided for them. In addition, delineates the barriers to their use of libraries. social, much greater than the cost of its provision and therefore is in the interest of a democratic society [4, p. 142].
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