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As academic librarians with faculty status increasingly embrace research engagement as a core value and requirement, one of the little-studied questions is the extent to which they possess the requisite knowledge and skills to conduct high-quality research and scholarship and what further learning needs they might have within the organizational setting. This paper summarizes an institutional case study of the research knowledge of academic librarians employed at the University of Saskatchewan, encompassing their current research interests, experiences, competencies, environmental context, and learning needs. The goal was to develop a framework for additional educational activities and institutional supports that would enhance their knowledge and skills.

Outlines the results of a review of the cataloging operations at the library at Curtin University of Technology and the three other publicly funded universities in WAGUL (the Western Australian Group of University Librarians). Identifies cost savings to be achieved by re-engineering cataloging and related operations, and separates them from the savings to be expected from outsourcing. (Author/AEF)

Library Management Vol 19 Nos 5 and 6 1998 ISSN 0143-5124 Reviewing a publication with a release date of 1998 towards the end of 2000 can be a risky business [...]

The Vital Link: Library Staffing in the 21st Century Proceeding of the Second National Library Staffing Conference held by the University of South Australia, Adelaide, 22-23 July 1999 edited by [...]

Managing staff in a modern academic library is a demanding role, requiring high level knowledge and the application of human resource management practices. Increasingly, one also needs to be abreast [...]

Purpose – The paper aims to provide an overview of the background and context of the decision by a Canadian research library to invest in developing and implementing its own in-house library leadership development program (LLDP). Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a case study and is presented in three parts: leadership circumstances within the Canadian research libraries, with particular reference to The Future of Human Resources in Canadian Libraries (the 8Rs Study), the University Library at the University of Saskatchewan and its Strategic Plan, with particular reference to its relationship and engagement strategy and other strategic HR initiatives; and the conceptualisation, content and competencies of the LLDP. This paper discusses why and how a leadership development program has been implemented. Findings – The paper shows that LLDP is a work-in-progress and is a practical step in a journey to change organizational culture, and build individual and organizational leadership capacity. Practical implications – While some of the context is Canadian specific, the local strategy implementation has relevance and applicability in other academic and research library contexts. Originality/value – This paper provides a discussion of current leadership challenges for Canadian research libraries, including a leadership development strategy exemplified by the experiences and work underway at the library at the University of Saskatchewan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]