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Purpose – Libraries have a variety of computer printers, faxes, network printers and photocopiers. All these machines have an environmental impact using paper, ink and electricity. This paper aims to discuss strategies for lessening the impact of these devices. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a "how-to" approach for librarians to achieve greener printing and copying. Findings – Modification in library procedures can result in greener printing and copying. Originality/value – The paper reviews the research on greener printing and provides practical suggestions for achieving greener printing and copying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to encourage public librarians to reconsider the future value of their paper book collections. Design/methodology/approach – The author interacts with developing trends to make an argument for supporting paper book collections in the digital age. Findings – The liquidation of Borders Group Inc. provides the public library with an opportunity to market its paper collections to publishers and paper book buyers. Originality/value – The article offers a contrarian perspective on the enduring value physical book collections will play in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies on a limited budget and with limited personnel. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses real-world experiences and data to report on the costs associated with the provision of high-volume print capabilities in an active academic computing area in a large university library. Findings – While advances in technology have changed higher education greatly, students and instructors alike still depend heavily on the printed page. Moreover, easy access to high-volume printers seems to encourage indiscriminate printing and wasteful behavior. Originality/value – This paper offers insights and real world experiences encountered in an active computing facility. It presents data on printing and provides some suggestions for reining-in waste associated with unnecessary printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to look at social networking aspects of Web 2.0 and how they might relate to libraries and library education. Design/methodology/approach - The paper looks at The 23 Things, a focus of the Public Library of Charlotte and Meckenburg County in North Carolina's (PLCMC's) learning program for librarians, which focused on two or three new things to discover and learn about each week. The paper looks at various sites that might be useful to the librarian. Findings - The paper suggests that the PLCMC's process represents a path that all librarians should follow. Originality/value - The paper presents a variety of sites that are useful tools for the librarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to highlight the need to have present-day operational efficiencies in preparing organizations for the future. Design/methodology/approach - The paper refers to some recent work published with regard to present-day reflection of practices which will impact future considerations for library organizations. Findings - Some suggested areas to consider are included, including developing operational efficiencies that are flexible enough to be modified as changes occur. Originality/value - This paper offers a point-of-view supported by related references and is the concept that the author favors for present consideration of future impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the importance of great mentoring to those with financial responsibilities during tough economic times. Design/methodology/approach – This paper pulls from the field literature two sets of attributes and considerations of skills needed in order to be a great mentor. Findings – It is important that persons with financial responsibilities are not overlooked in the mentoring process in order to direct their energies into positive actions. Research limitations/implications – The methods and skills discussed in this paper will need to be customized for individual emotional reactions to changing economic situations. Practical implications – This paper provides an explanation of the qualities needed by mentors to create a positive result. Social implications – This paper recognizes the importance of building social skills in order to develop good relationships. Originality/value – Readers are encouraged to expand on these concepts in order to become better mentors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — Aims to focus on the issue of value in libraries. Design/methodology/approach — Draws from research conducted to set up a conservative transportable cost-benefit analysis (CBA) methodology that could be applied to public libraries. The paper discusses the CBA-survey participant comments draws out the value themes that interviewees talked about as they answered various questions. Findings — There is a huge tendency in North America to talk about libraries as if they are secular churches and to impute spiritual values to them. This paper suggests that while library users may hold such feelings, that is not the first line of reasons for why they use their library. Originality/value — Shows how library communications needs to be framed in the practical as well as the ethereal, the practical along with the ideal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to see how libraries measure up to futurists' predictions of libraries of the future. Design/methodology/approach - Compares the ten points in futurist Thomas Frey's paper, "The future of libraries" with the reality of current library services. Findings - By and large, much of what Frey predicts for future libraries is already a reality. Originality/value - Confirms that librarians and libraries are at the forefront of technology and providing information through different media and methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine possible reasons behind apparent absurdities in the library. Design/methodology/approach - The paper looks at a renovation project at Daniel Library, Charleston, South Carolina and the problems encountered because of its previous history. Findings - The paper finds that some changes are unavoidable as cost-saving measures; some might be due to the sort of person who enters library work. Research limitations/implications - The paper highlights personality types in library work and the history of library security systems. Practical implications - The paper reveals that not all planning decisions are as stupid as they look. Originality/value - The paper encourages readers to think about why they make the decisions they do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to highlight current awareness web sites. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a general review. Findings - Staying current is essential today more than ever. Originality/value - The sites reviewed in this paper are useful tools to that purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the elements of a library’s daily operations that contribute to the overall experience visitors to the library hopefully enjoy. Beyond the much discussed element of customer service, there are many other factors that either enhance the experience or detract from it. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used the author’s personal experience as an observer of library organizations from his perspective of a consultant and a workshop presenter. Findings – This paper focuses on the importance of ensuring that every aspect of the library operation functions properly to guarantee pleasant experiences for all visitors. Originality/value – The paper helps the library director, the department manager and the staff librarian to better appreciate the importance of being aware of how the visitor perceives the library experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mentorship is crucial to the success and accomplishment of librarianship in the contemporary era. This paper aims to investigate the need for mentorship and challenges besetting mentorship in librarianship with specific focus on academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach: Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 1,214 librarians in 102 academic libraries in Southern Nigeria. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for the study. Findings: It was reflected that mentorship, though beset by a number of challenges, is a necessity in librarianship. The hypotheses tested revealed that there is significant relationship between the need for mentorship and the types of mentorship adopted in academic libraries, and that there is no significant difference between the need for mentorship by male and female librarians. Practical implications: This study affirmed that it is through mentorship that librarians can meet their job demands. Mentorship should therefore be stimulated to bolster the professional and intellectual development of the librarians. The mentees should be carried along in mentorship partnership selection process, and training should be organized for mentors and mentees on mentorship. Social implications: The interaction of librarians in the course of mentoring can facilitate work cohesion and enhanced job performance. Originality/value: The needs for and challenges besetting mentorship in librarianship have been explored by collecting data directly from the librarians. The cloistered nature of librarianship, given the changing nature of the profession owing to massive deployment of Information and Communication Technology in the performance of library operations, means that mentorship should be encouraged in the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore attitudes of staff librarians who see themselves separate and apart from their supervisors in terms of their agendas and their roles. The paper offers why this may be occurring, and what library managers can do to effectively bridge the relational gap between management and staff. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used the author's personal experience as an observer of library organizations from his perspective of a consultant and a workshop presenter. Findings – This paper focuses on the importance of open communication, the willingness of a staff member to participate in decision making, and the importance of a library manager to encourage discussion and idea creation among the staff. Originality/value – The paper helps the library director, the department manager, and the staff librarian to better appreciate the role that each person plays in the overall library organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The need to cull collections comes from a variety of concerns. Space, budgets and relevancy are the primary sources of exploration into the weeding of a collection. The purpose of this paper is to provide current commentary on the potential reactions to and unexpected consequences of weeding from the fiscal perspective of community stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides insight gathered from a recent emergency library board meeting on weeding, and expands the debate to provide recommendations for future course of action. Findings – Communication before, during and after a weeding project in light of informed and emotional community fiscal and material interest in a collection, above board and/or executive interest, is the recommended path to smooth weeding activities. Originality/value – This paper reveals a new reality for library leaders previously accustomed to a less informed user understanding of the impact of weeding. It explains the effect of the global recession on the increased financial astuteness of patrons scrutinizing library expenditures in the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the fundraising activities carried out by two libraries at the University of Bologna (Italy), which could be adopted by other libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses the approach adopted and gives examples. Findings - The crisis can be an opportunity to identify weaknesses and strengths and then to study the market and find economic support, but also to improve services in order to meet different needs. Originality/value - The originality of the paper relies on the interpretation of the crisis as a challenge to build a network of library supporters and new interests in library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer advice, in the interest of preventing expensive mistakes, about certain aspects of library building projects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a list of avoidable errors made during real library construction or renovation projects. Findings – The paper finds that a little common sense is a good thing to use in tandem with grand designs. Practical implications – Hopefully, the practical implications of the paper will be cost savings for libraries and their parent organizations. Librarians, project managers, or architects might enjoy compiling photographs of similar mistakes and comparing them with sensible alternatives. Originality/value – The paper presents a useful list for project managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for communicating library needs and opportunities to prospective donors. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples of outreach communications that can inspire support. Findings - The paper proposes that fundraising opportunities can be communicated and enhanced through a variety of methods. Originality/value - The value of the paper is in its suggestions for promoting the library's needs and opportunities through external communication means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for sustaining effective marketing and fundraising in challenging economic times. Design/methodology/approach - This paper discusses and gives examples of marketing and promotion strategies to sustain fundraising. Findings - This paper proposes that, in an economic downturn, donors and stakeholders will respond to positive messages rather than tales of woe. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its suggestions for telling the library's story in ways that encourage financial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss how text messaging offers a variety of ways to stay vital and visible to younger patrons with whom libraries most need to establish a relationship to ensure their future. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses narrowcasting, one-to-one communication and reference queries, all methods of text messaging Findings - Even with the inherent drawbacks of message length and the incurring of charges by library users, there seems to be a place for text messaging services within the library framework. Because of the portability, popularity and pervasiveness of cell phones among our users, particularly our younger ones, this service is a way for us to stay current. Originality/value - The paper provides an original viewpoint on how text messaging could be used in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to establish the leadership quality of good time management as the second of the "leadership performance standards" introduced in the first installment of this column and begins with proper goal setting as a powerful time management and planning tool. Design/methodology/approach - The paper introduces planning as the first key to good time management, and then establishes the place of goal setting in the planning process. It covers personal work goal setting and setting goals for subordinates. Findings - The paper finds that career goal-setting can be used effectively as a time-management tool to aid in departmental and organizational goal-setting and planning. Originality/value - The value of using this approach is in more fulfilled employees offering more effective service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to share practical ideas about acquiring more and varied library resources in spite of a flat budget. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reports The Citadel's efforts to do numerous things to reinforce the importance of library materials as well as a library building. Findings - The paper reports that these networking efforts, including mandatory library instruction in first-year experience courses, have borne good karma and might even lead to increased book money. In a continuing quest for open-source alternatives to paid subscriptions, web-based services were found to augment the collection and perhaps even supplant a few purchases. Additionally, serendipity has revealed outside help in the form of LSTA grants and cooperative collection development. Originality/value - The paper shares practical ideas about acquiring more and varied library resources when holding a low budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to look at the sustainability of collections within libraries and suggest a means for maintaining this. Design/methodology/approach - The paper proposes a system of bartering with libraries offering those elements of their collection which are rarely used if at all to those who might be able to use them. It suggests that this might be done through a system of trading dollars. Findings - The paper suggests that bartering might be a way of adding lasting value to print collections. Originality/value - The paper suggests a system of bartering which could add lasting value to the print collections of libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to consider how a stationary materials budget might be rearranged to permit the purchase of new electronic resources. Design/methodology/approach - The paper examines the likely ways money can be saved or reallocated: canceling; negotiating better prices; substituting free resources; and finding money outside the annual institutional allotment Findings - It was surprising not to find in the current literature a tool for comparing journal aggregates and library databases with open source options, since there seem to be plenty of comparisons between commercial and open source software programs. Originality/value - The paper offers suggestions as to how libraries can save or reallocate money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to present several common scenarios that occur in most libraries regarding interpersonal conflict between employee and employee and/or employee and library director. The paper then offers several proven practical conflict resolution strategies that any library can use to either avoid conflict or to mediate it when it occurs. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper used a literature search as well as the personal experience of the author, a library consultant who has worked with over 40 different libraries including academic, public, and special libraries. Findings -- This paper focuses on the concepts of collegiality and positive interpersonal communications as well as the team approach to accomplishing goals. Among the strategies this paper discusses are the adherence to mandatory policies and procedures, peer mediation, open communication, and sensitivity training. Strategies for coping with internal jealousies between and among staff members as well as fair hiring practices are also discussed. Originality/value -- This paper helps the library director, the library department manager, and the staff librarian better understand and appreciate the importance of conflict resolution for the good of the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to provide a tribute to the life and work of library fund-raiser Gwen Leighty. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses personal knowledge and references to Academic Libraries Advancement and Development Network (ALADN) and LIBDEV web sites. Findings - The paper finds that fundraising is connecting with people and the journey that each development officer must make while raising funds for their library. Originality/value - The paper presents a brief history of ALADN and the valuable contribution one person made to the cause of library fund-raising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Many Chinese libraries have limited budget to buy foreign language books. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an available and cheaper suggestion for the budgets of small libraries' foreign language books acquisition. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the benefits of selecting donated books and takes some small libraries in China as examples to conduct the case study. Findings – Advantages of selecting donated books include: quick arrival, lower cost, and a variety of title selections. Disadvantages are: no book list, long distance, unsatisfied selection. Practical implications – Donated books in one's purchasing program can substantially expand the range and amount of materials that libraries are able to collect. Originality/value – This paper will be useful to any library facing budget cuts as well as looking for ways to continually provide a wide variety of library materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the viewpoint that college students serve the same function as customers purchasing products from corporations. Design/methodology/approach – This paper gives comparisons and differences between the process of students learning through higher education and the process of customers buying a consumer good. Findings – This paper recommends that while similarities exist between students and consumers, a more robust view should be maintained and communicated as a means of preserving the true nature of the academic enterprise above and beyond simple consumer activity. Originality/value – This paper presents a clear acknowledgment that while all students consume knowledge, they are also all held to the expectation to return new knowledge. This reciprocity is not part of the ordinary consumer interchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Budget allocation formulas claim objectivity, and hence fairness. But factors composing the formula are limited to supply, demand, and cost. Attempts to correct for this imbalance of empirical data like usage have led to the use of weighted values in the formulas. This paper seeks to argue that assigning "weight" in a formula introduces value judgments and subjectivity, leaving only the misplaced illusion of objectivity. Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveys the published literature on the use of monograph budget allocation formulas and provides analysis to highlight the underlying problems of allocation formulas. Findings – Over the past several decades numerous permutations of the monograph allocation formula have been proposed and published. But there is no magic in formulas once value judgments are introduced. Instead, one is only left with the appearance of objectivity. Originality/value – This paper is a review of the philosophical and economic underpinnings in the library literature on allocation formulas and subsequent budget distribution. It seeks to demonstrate the subjective nature of these formulas, once they are separated from empirical data. The paper seeks to demonstrate the dangerous illusion of objectivity that formulas can create when implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the LibGuides website that hosts library user guides. Design/methodology/approach - This paper outlines the features and benefits of the LibGuides site, describes how it can be used as a web portal and peruses its hosted content. Findings - LibGuides is a good place to see how different libraries are incorporating Web 2.0 approaches into their library guides. Originality/value - The familiar library guide still can have a strong impact in the Web 2.0 environment and enhance a library's online presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this essay is to provide suggestions for raising money for collections. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples of strategies to raise awareness of giving opportunities to support library collections. Findings - This paper suggests that traditional fundraising for collections has become more difficult, and innovative appeals are required to attract donors. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its presentation of examples and strategies for raising funds to support collection building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - While laying the foundations of any libraries' collections, technical services (TS) play an important role in the expenditure of a library's materials and personnel budgets. Budgetary crises, increased user expectations, and growing workloads create challenges for TS to continually do more with less. When old practices cannot survive weakening budgets, it is time to dig into the layers of established procedures and see how they stand the test of relevance. This paper aims to address the issues regarding TS workflows. Design/methodologyapproach - The paper describes a study into TS at California State University Northridge (CSUN) Oviatt Library. Findings - Examination of long-established procedures and workflows reveals a treasure trove of superfluous traditions, outdated mechanisms, and a visible failure to adopt the progress of the past decade. The discovery led to the reorganization of the department, the redesign of existing workflows, and the introduction of innovative technologies. Consequently, TS reduced processing time throughout the supply chain of information, improved service, and saved money. In addition, the reliance on vendors to assist in data management can greatly increase the efficiency of technical services. Originality/value - The paper highlights how continued revision should keep technical services' workflows and procedures fresh and relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to argue that when managing strategically it is important for leaders to view situations from multiple perspectives, one of which is the political point-of-view. Design/methodology/approach - The papers discusses and gives examples to illustrate how one can consider situations from the political vantage point Findings - It is helpful for library directors to consider situations from the political perspective. Practical implications - This provides one point of view that should be considered when a leader contemplates what actions to take. Originality/value - This paper will help librarians better manage their libraries by considering the political perspective when assessing situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To begin making the library sustainable requires a vision of what will be created and a description of the outcome of the process. This paper aims to address the issue Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides a viewpoint on developing the sustainable library. Findings - Libraries have important roles to play in the unfolding internet saga, from preserving and organizing knowledge to accelerating and designing learning environments. Achieving sustainability is the new imperative, but the process is difficult, not easy. New mindsets, new strategies of collaboration and networking, widespread professional and staff engagement, and measuring and managing progress are all challenges to be met. Practical implications - In these troubled times clear vision and purpose are needed to maintain stakeholder support. Sustainability provides a model for designing appropriate vision, facilities, and services toward that end. Originality/value - The complexities of designing sustainable libraries requires ongoing discussion and exploration. This paper adds insight to the debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to discuss the need for librarians to be proactively involved in institutional decisions regarding repurposing or annexation of library space. As libraries transition from print to electronic delivery of journals, especially in STM intensive libraries, administration will begin to question the need to retain large runs of bound print journal volumes, especially in light of the ever-present space crunch faced by many institutions. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides a viewpoint based on the experience of repurposing library space for alternative use. Findings - Librarians must be proactive when addressing library space issues. It is imperative that librarians are actively involved in defining the direction and future of the library rather than waiting for the decision to be made for them by their institution. Originality/value - The paper advocates the need to be proactive rather than reactive in planning for the future use of library space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider several methods for establishing and growing a pool of potential library donors. Who gives to libraries and where are they? All types of libraries can benefit from private giving; the initial challenge in building a philanthropic base is identifying prospective donors. Design/methodology/approach - Considers the donor development strategies employed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries, noting those most effective. Findings - A range of initiatives can help establish and build a donor base, such as robust programming, expanded partnerships, annual fund efforts, friends groups, and a mix of technologies. Originality/value - This paper fulfills an identified information/resource need and offers practical suggestions to library administrators for building a donor base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to argue that when managing strategically it is important to consider how to get one's priorities onto the institution's agenda. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate why and how one would get an issue onto an institution's agenda. Findings - The paper suggests that, in advancing the library's issues, it is helpful to determine methods of getting on the governing body's agenda. Practical implications - This paper provides concepts to be considered when a manager attempts to move a library's priorities forward. Original/value - Hopefully, this paper will motivate librarians to think strategically when working to advance their library's interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to explain the rules and regulations for using independent contractors in a library setting. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses the personal expertise of the author who has been a professor of human resources management as well as a library consultant to all types of libraries for over 15 years. Findings - The importance of treating independent contractors very differently from employees is emphasized. The paper provides a step-by-step guideline on the compliance issues by which every library and independent contractor must abide to guarantee a legitimate relationship in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service. Originality/value - This paper helps the library director and the library department manager more intelligently use independent contractors within the operation of a library organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report the problems which the library management at the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) encounter in accessing and utilizing library intervention money from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses problems experienced by NINLAN Library, including inadequate period specified for retirement of utilized funds, delay in securing approval for new projects, effort of some members of committees to influence award of contracts, and absence of librarians in most ETF project committees. Findings - The management of NINLAN Library, educational institutions in Nigeria and ETF, should be proactive in planning for development programmes, and articulating projects to be funded by the ETF. There should be clear guidelines for accessing, utilizing and retiring the funds approved for different projects. Originality/value - The paper offers suggestions to alleviate the problems. These include increasing in the allocation of library intervention funds, extending the period for utilization and retirement of project funds, and inclusion of librarians in various committees for library intervention projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This is the second of two papers on the benefits and challenges of human capital assessment. The purpose of this paper is to review the most common challenges that library administrators may encounter when developing and implementing a human capital assessment process in their libraries and offer suggested counter-responses to reduce implementation challenges. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper uses a literature review to identify potential challenges and resolutions for library administrators who are developing and implementing human capital assessment. In reviewing human capital assessment from the literature from both outside and within the library profession, it is hoped that the most common challenges can be identified to allow library administrators an effective opportunity to plan and account for these challenges during development and implementation. Findings -- Human capital assessment is an increasingly essential element of organizational performance assessment for library administrators. There are several types of common challenges in developing and implementing human capital assessment processes: a lack of consensual operational definitions and assessment values for human capital valuation and assessment, complexity of process, subjectivity in application, and misaligned information needs of mid-level administrators. However, if these development and implementation challenges can be reduced or eliminated through prior planning and aligning the valuation and assessment processes to the organization and its assessment information needs, there are multiple potential benefits for library administrators who wish to assess the human capital of their library. Originality/value -- Identifying the implementation challenges of human capital assessment for library administrators could reduce the initial challenges of in assessing the human component of the library's performance in meeting stakeholder's needs and accountability concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of paper one of the two-article series exploration of human capital assessment is to examine the strategies by which library administrators can assess and benefit the human capital performance of their library and to lay the groundwork for the discussion of the strategic challenges of assessing and valuing human capital in article two. Design/methodology/approach — This paper uses a literature review to identify potential strategies and metrics for library administrators to assess human capital productivity. Findings — Human capital is an increasingly essential element of organizational performance assessment. Effectively assessing library staff expenditures (which generally receives the largest expenditure allocations within the library's budget) and the resulting performance generated by the staff, who are the primary knowledge tools and providers of the library's services, is an ever increasing possibility to account for greater amounts of tangible and intangible organizational performance. Library administrators have multiple options for developing effective strategies and metrics by which to assess their libraries human capital performance. Originality/value — Developing an effective human capital assessment process as a standard component of the library's performance and budgetary assessment processes would benefit libraries and their administrators by increasing the organizational performance information available for resource allocation decisions regarding library staff development, recruitment, and retention in the larger overall management decision making and planning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness to all factors that impact on the cost of an integrated library system (ILS). Design/methodology/approach - Using a total cost of ownership approach, a bigger view of all the factors impacting on cost is explored. Findings - The paper finds that many libraries focus entirely on direct costs when selecting a new ILS, rather than factoring in staff time and other long-term costs that will be associated with choosing a system. Originality/value - When the direct and indirect costs are considered, systems that have higher initial costs may be cheaper to own through their entire lifespan than other, seemingly cheaper, products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to spotlight the numerous ways librarians publish in the electronic environment. Design/methodology/approach - The paper surveys several web sites written by or about librarians or libraries. Findings - The study finds that while librarians still publish in traditional print formats, the narrow scope of many of their topics lend themselves to web-based publishing better. Originality/value - Even when an author's efforts may result in a book, the narrow focus of a topic, coupled with the stagnate nature of a printed work, are barriers to new or updated information. Web-based publications, both in tandem and independent of print, provide a dynamic environment to keep information up-to-date and current. The web also provides an opportunity to publish material that otherwise would not be published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper aims to provide an overview on how the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may impact on standard library management operations. Design/methodology/approach - The study extracts key elements from the legislation and illustrates how they can be incorporated into library management. Findings - The paper finds that, while there is confusion about the IRS status of libraries and to what extent the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will directly affect them, there is much in the legislation that can be adopted now for better accountability and governance. Originality/value - The paper provides examples of key elements in the legislation and how they can be incorporated into library governance now. By proactively complying with the parts of the legislation that are natural fits with library operations, it places the library on a better footing for future needs and demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to provide an overview on how important funding is to what can be accomplished by a library director, and how it impacts library management decisions. Design/methodology/approach - Using eight financial areas common to all libraries, the importance of adequate funding is presented in the paper and the consequences of different funding levels are examined. Findings - The paper finds that no matter how innovative or progressive a library director may want to be, libraries that are not on solid financial ground will not remain relevant in the future. A library director needs to know the level of funding, where the funds are coming from, and level of continued support they can expect if they are to manage effectively. Originality/value - Great leadership cannot solve an institution's numerous problems when lack of operating revenue is the heart of the issue. Because of this, discussions about the financial health of a library are important when considering to become a library's new director. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All library construction or renovation projects are complete when contractors leave the site, staff and library users occupy the new space, and the accounts funding the project are expended and closed. Typically, additional necessary expenses after occupancy are borne by the library's operating budget, and in this paper are referred to as "after-costs". This paper documents the after-costs of one construction project, Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to serve as a planning tool for others who are currently involved in, or are considering library construction or renovation projects. Identifying the specific after-costs of one library construction project can also serve as an example for estimating or avoiding some of the after-costs of other library construction projects, and perhaps as a basis for justifying requests for reasonable increases in a library's operating budget after new library construction or renovation projects have been completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Libraries’ experience and success in the creation of a fundraising Communications Plan. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on observational experiences at EKU Libraries over the course of two years, before and after the implementation of a Communications Plan. Findings – Feedback from Friends of EKU Libraries advised that donors appreciate communications from EKU Libraries, especially on a monthly basis. As a result of implementing a Communications Plan, donations to EKU Libraries became more consistent throughout the year and increased in number. Practical implications – EKU Libraries found that a meaningful Communications Plan can help strengthen the connection between an organization and its donors. As a result, the Plan will be refined annually and utilized for the foreseeable future. Originality/value – This paper provides guidance for libraries and other organizations on the creation and implementation of a fundraising Communications Plan, based on the experience of EKU Libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper's aim is to provide insights into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies and electronic collections on a limited budget and with limited personnel. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses real-world experiences and evidence from the body of literature to provide commentary on the importance of clearly defined missions and goals in an era of shrinking budgets and changing user expectations. Findings - Having a clearly defined library mission statement with underlying goals and outcomes is vital in this time of accountability and assessment in higher education. Librarians must be mindful of the need to connect the goals and outcomes to the overall institutional goals in order to provide measurable and meaningful value. Originality/value - The paper examines one library's struggle to establish an identity in an era where traditional methods of determining value are no longer suitable. The article uses dialogue from departmental meetings coupled with evidence from the library literature to state the importance of finding and communicating value in an era of accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer a model for staffing library functions that is free from the limits of rigid job descriptions. Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces the concept of fluid job descriptions and then explains how to use the concept to balance workloads and solve other problems. Findings – Using this concept allows the best possible use of available talent and skills. Practical implications – Library directors can make their staff assets go further by avoiding the limitations that rigid job descriptions impose. Social implications – This model has the potential for increasing job satisfaction of library staffs as well as the efficiency with which they work together in serving their constituencies. Originality/value – The value of the article is in improving library efficiency, along with employee job satisfaction, by introducing more flexibility into staff workload assignments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies and electronic collections on a limited budget and with limited personnel. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses real world experiences and data to report on collection development decisions as they relate to electronic journals in an era of shrinking budgets and changing user expectations. Findings – Efficient and ubiquitous access to information has altered user expectations and needs, which in turn have altered the methods and means by which libraries provide services to users. Yet many academic libraries continue to use outmoded models and suffer as a consequence. Originality/value – This paper examines the cost and usage of an individual journal title and the disparities between return on investment for the electronic and printed form of that journal. The author employs real-world cost and usage statistics to make a case for shifting the focus of collection development from print to electronic subscriptions even if the online access is more costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper's purpose is to outline what goes into a well-done library personnel on-site interview. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the need for planning and doing background checks leading up to the onsite interview and then suggests items to consider in both the planning and execution of a well thought-out onsite visit. Findings – The finding is that planning the onsite interview well is essential to knowing which candidate will work out the best in the long run. Practical implications – Hiring the right person through a well-thought out process can save time, trouble and expense for years to come. Social implications – All job seekers should be treated with respect remembering that all have been in that position and could be in that position again in the future. Originality/value – The value of the paper is in hiring the right person the first time using a process that is beneficial to everyone involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]