Technological concerns for library managers

Abstract

Library managers face a variety of questions and concerns on a daily basis related to information technology. These include the relative merits of interpersonal and communication skills as compared with technical abilities; the organizational structure that should be utilized in the distribution of computing resources; the policies that need to be created (or enforced) in relation to the personal use of business computers; issues surrounding computer usage problems (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) that pose potential threats to staff productivity; and the library manager's pursuit of the "cutting edge" of technology. This study uses qualitative survey data to find patterns and themes among librarians in regard to their attitudes toward managing technology and technological change. It includes a selection of categorized survey responses, interpretation of the data by the author, and suggestions for further research.

Management and the management of information and library services 2000

“…A major US conference considered scholarly communication in the digital era (Landesman and Reddick, 2000). Stover (2000) examined the reactions of librarians to the impact of new technology on their libraries and roles within them gathering qualitative information using an Internet survey. The questions being asked by administrators looking for financial savings through the increasing use of ICT, and why the totally virtual library lies in the future, are discussed by Pastine, Dorrian and Dougherty (2000).…”