Technological concerns for library managers

Published date01 December 2000
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/01435120010347946
Date01 December 2000
Pages472-483
AuthorMark Stover
Subject MatterLibrary & information science
Technological concerns
for library managers
Mark Stover
1. Introduction
How are librarians handling technological
change, whether on a personal level or on an
organisational level? What sort of skills do
managers need in today's information-based
organisations? These are the kinds of ``big''
questions that librarians need to find answers
to as we enter a new millennium of challenges
and change. This article, based on qualitative
research, will attempt to provide preliminary
answers to these questions and sketch out
themes and patterns for our changing
profession.
The professional literature contains many
articles and monographs 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.
In a recent editorial, Riggs (1999, p. 513)
proclaims that:
[n]early all components of library management
have been enhanced by modern technology
and that
[e]volving technology is making the library
manager's job easier.
Others, such as Gorman (1997), opine that
caution and moderation are the watchwords
when managing libraries and technology. Yet,
while an abundance of literature exists on this
topic, and while a variety of perspectives have
been championed by library managers across
the spectrum, few if any studies have provided
the actual ``voices'' of librarians discussing the
issues that arise when library management
intersects with information technology. This
study seeks to accomplish the following: to
categorise and summarise the comments of
librarians in reaction to questions about
library management and technology; to
discover themes and patterns in this area; and
to provide a basis for future quantitative
research in this area.
2. Methodology
In June 1998, I published a questionnaire on
my Web site designed to elicit qualitative data
about information professionals and
technology[1]. I posted the address of the
The author
Mark Stover is Reference Librarian, University Library,
San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA.
Keywords
Libraries, Management, Information technology, Surveys
Abstract
Library managers face a variety of questions and concerns
related to information technology on a daily basis. These
include the relative merits of interpersonal and
communication skills compared with technical abilities;
the organisational structure that should be utilised 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 categorised survey responses,
interpretation of the data by the author, and suggestions
for further research.
Electronic access
The research register for this journal is available at
http://www.mcbup.com/research_registers/lm.asp
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emerald-library.com
472
Library Management
Volume 21 .Number 9 .2000 .pp. 472±482
#MCB University Press .ISSN 0143-5124

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT