Getting it done on time

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this contribution is to focus on an essential issue in all workplace settings where the emphasis is on productivity, time management and creativity: getting innovative, high quality work completed on time according to tight schedules -often facing serious staff shortages. The intention is not to offer an ultimate answer, but to take a different look at the issues that might bring some answers, or that might inspire research projects in the "own" circles of libraries and information services. What does it take to get quality work completed on time? Design/methodology/approach -The contribution is written against the background of research from time management, productivity, learning styles, information behaviour and collaborative work. Findings -There might be simplistic solutions on offer to get work done on time such as the use of productivity and time management tools. When the aim is high quality, creativity and innovative work (done on time), there might be a need to consider more issues such as learning styles and whole brain learning; information seeking skills, writing skills and streamlining cognitive skills; a focus on productivity; brain health and maintaining a balanced life style; perceptions of stimulating creativity; recognition of the need to complement human weaknesses with collaborative strengths; and the need for flow as argued by Csikszentmihalyi. Originality/value -Although many publications have appeared on time management, productivity, software to support time management and other individual issues noted in this paper, the authors are not aware of work (at least not in the field of library and information science) that combine these with the need to consider learning styles, whole brain learning, acknowledging the limitations of mind and body, and addiction to adrenaline that might stimulate inspiration and creativity -among many things that might impact on time management.

Productivity story of Iranian librarians: assessing the impact of knowledge management and emotional intelligence

“…The important point addressed under productivity in this study is the capability of a librarian to provide, in the best way possible, the final services the libraries intend to deliver through collecting, developing, organizing and providing various information. Productivity is dependent on various components, such as organizational structure, information resources, punctuality in delivering quality services, customer satisfaction, strategic location and human resources (Fourie and Fourie, 2013). Human resources is considered as the most essential component, as it embraces all the other components.…”