Integration of Public and Technical Services Functions

Download or read book Integration of Public and Technical Services Functions written by B. J. Busch and published by Washington, D.C. : Office of Management Studies, Association of Research Libraries. This book was released on 1986 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study explores current trends and practices in functional integration based on site visits to six Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries selected on the basis of their responses to a Fall 1984 ARL questionnaire. The responses indicated that, for all six libraries, some integration of functions existed, staff reorganization was underway or complete, cataloging was taking place in public areas, and professional librarians were participating in both public and technical services functions. The current situation of the six libraries and their decisions to reorganize are summarized, and the following developments and issues are considered: (1) collection management and service to users; (2) impact of automation; (3) organizational climate; (4) flexible use of staff; (5) staff morale; (6) reporting relationships; and (7) recruitment and training. Increased information delivery and an expansion outward in client-centered groupings are identified as possible future trends for public service areas, along with the continuing compression of massive technical services departments, and it is concluded that leadership and staff participation, as well as a clear sense of where the institution is going, are vital ingredients in successful organizational change. Notes and a 61-item selected bibliography are provided, and a listing of the issues addressed is appended. (KM)