On 40 years of queuing in libraries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect 40 years of queuing theory in application to library modelling and management. It suggests that these models have not had the impact that the early queuing models promised and suggests some reasons as to why.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a brief exposition of queuing theory as a branch of operations research (OR) and describes three snapshots of library queuing models published in the literature. Each snapshot describes a different approach to library modelling using queues and illustrates some of the problems associated with applying queuing theory. Suggestions from the literature regarding the nature of the modeller/practitioner interaction are described and linked to queuing models.FindingsThe mathematical nature of queuing models highlights the difficulties in linking modelling theory to library practice. The paper suggests that there is an urgent need to find ways to bridge the practitioner/researcher gap, broaden the application base of OR methodology within libraries, engage in constructive debate around library OR to build a consensus view as to the value of OR interventions, and identify directions for future collaborative work in libraries. Otherwise, we seem destined to continue applying OR models as a matter of faith rather than as a proven paradigm for rational analysis in libraries.Originality/valueThere have been some notable successes in the application of queuing theory and other OR techniques to modelling library systems over the last 40 years. However, the nature of the intersection of OR modelling and library operations has evolved over the years and modelling projects that add real value to library operations now seem to be more rarely reported. The emerging modeller/practitioner nexus requires further consideration if library OR is to develop.

On the future of library operations research

“…the history of operations research in libraries does not provide a very distinguished record of accomplishment. Certainly, it is not as distinguished as military applications, applications in the chemical industry, or applications in health care services (Reisman and Xiaomei, 1994, p. 35).Why this should be has been discussed in a previous paper (Warwick, 2008), but it is safe to say that there have not been many OR modellers choosing to apply their modelling skills to libraries or librarians actively seeking the help of modellers in resolving their problems (Chen, 1974). Despite these limitations, a body of literature has grown over the years but is somewhat fragmented in terms of where publications appear.…”

“…This also helps to induce "buy-in" to any set of actions resulting from the intervention. One of the problems associated with the application of traditional modelling OR interventions has been this separation between mathematical modeller and library practitioner induced by the specialist mathematical content of many models (Warwick, 2008). OR projects with genuinely multidisciplinary teams have been less common in library OR but some of Library operations research the most successful large projects have incorporated a mixture of OR modellers and library specialists.…”

“…A recent paper (Warwick, 2008) considered 40 years of queuing theory in application to academic libraries and discussed why operations research (OR) has failed to maintain the pace and vibrancy of the early interactions between OR and libraries of the 1960s and 1970s. It came to the rather pessimistic conclusion that there are a number of reasons why library OR activity has seemingly declined, and that the early indications that OR modelling could pay significant dividends in terms of increased library efficiency and user satisfaction across all library activities have not been fully realised.…”