Management of change: technological developments and human resource issues in the information sector

Abstract

Considers the changes taking place in the information and library sector ‐ changes which are due, in the main, to fast developing technologies and the resulting information explosion. Traditional skills and methods of working are coming under increasing pressure and are no longer sufficient. Assesses the impact of these information technology changes on information staff, who are having to extend their traditional skills and develop new expertise. Considers staff management issues, especially resistance to change, and the effect of training and communication programmes. Concludes that maintaining the balance between technology and individual needs is the key to success.

Change management in information institutions

“…According to Farrow (1997), this is particularly so in the information and library sector, and consequently many are feeling the pressures. Weldon (1983) concluded that the greatest changes have come from the post-industrial, information revolution and that the ultimate impact of the computer upon archives and archivists is unknown.…”

Technological concerns for library managers

“…The professional literature contains many articles and books that address issues related to library management and information technology (Farrow, 1997;Foster and Bell, 1998;Hudson, 1999;Lancaster and Sandore, 1997;Lowry, 1993;Martin, 1999). Some authors, such as Donald Riggs, take an optimistic stance in this realm.…”