Showing papers in "The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the parameters governing social media ROI at an enterprise level and at the level of non-profit institutions and discuss the use of social media tools in a strategic plan and to save costs in the institution.
Abstract: Purpose – In all projections for 2011, ROI has become of the great challenges of social media marketing for the business environment. However in the case of non‐profit organizations, there is no need for such calculations. It is not as necessary to know how the effort made in these media compares to the benefits that can be obtained. This paper aims to compare the parameters governing social media ROI at an enterprise level and at the level of non‐profit institutions. Additionally, the use of social media tools in a strategic plan and to save costs in the institution is discussed.Design/methodology/approach – Where ROI is defined as a mere indicator of return on investment, it involves the direct costs and revenues of each transaction. Combining the world of social media marketing, which is full of intangibles, with the current crisis makes knowing “real” return one of the greatest current needs. When demanding returns from institutions that have never been analyzed from this standpoint, it is important t...
64 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the potential utility of the balanced scorecard (BSC) performance measurement tool for higher educational institutions and in particular libraries. But, the BSC has not yet been put into practice in libraries.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential utility for higher educational institutions, and in particular libraries, of the balanced scorecard (BSC) performance measurement tool, originally developed by Kaplan and Norton for use in businesses and since adapted for the public and non‐profit sectors.Design/methodology/approach – The relevant literature was reviewed to ascertain key aspects and functionalities of the BSC framework, survey implementations and determine perceptions of the system's effectiveness and weaknesses, and – while the BSC has as yet been put into practice only infrequently in libraries – treat its appropriateness for information service.Findings – The BSC supplements financial accounting with non‐financial leading indicators to link performance drivers and outcome measures in cause and effect relationships that can predict future performance and drive a single organizational strategy. Also intended as a straightforward reporting “dashboard” revealing whether impro...
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the need for transparency in leadership during tough financial times and demonstrate the long-term benefits of transparent behavior in the business community and the development of leadership skills related to transparency can lead to improved effectiveness as a leader.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the need for transparency in leadership during tough financial times
Design/methodology/approach – This point-of-view is enhanced with related literature references from the business community
Findings – This point-of-view demonstrates the long-term benefits to transparent behavior
Practical implications – The development of leadership skills related to transparency can lead to improved effectiveness as a leader
Originality/value – This article is reflective of the author's personal experiences in providing effective leadership during tough times
18 citations
TL;DR: The role, purpose and benefits of library marketing in favor of a more sophisticated approach that conveys the unique value of their library and its offering to the public are discussed in this article.
Abstract: Purpose – While the great recession may have concluded more than a year ago, the lingering effects of state and local budget contraction and austerity are having a highly negative impact on libraries and librarians. The future for publicly funded libraries as institutions that promote learning, literacy, knowledge creation and entertainment is increasingly doubtful as publicly funded libraries across the country are seeing unprecedented levels of budget cuts. While the immediate cause of such reduced funding seems rooted in budgetary pressures, the reality is that library financial support is traditionally premised upon a publicly held assumption of goodwill for libraries and the societal benefits they represent. In order for libraries to survive the economic downturn and austerity measures put in place by government budgets, they need to rethink the role, purpose and benefits of library marketing in favor of a more sophisticated approach that conveys the unique value of their library and its offering to ...
17 citations
TL;DR: Not only is there space‐saving in libraries but also a new manner in which to consume information that libraries must adapt to as soon as possible given the increasing demands of users in this connection.
Abstract: Purpose – The addition of digital formats such as specialised magazines and e‐books to libraries has led to a dramatic change in management format with respect to those involved in the reading process: users, publishers, distributors, booksellers, and authors; and in turn, the way in which libraries are planned and managed. This article aims to focus on these issues.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the implementation of e‐books and the relevant literature on the implementation of electronic books, not only in the library field but in other sectors. The article uses various sources to offer conclusions on the interest not only economic but also to improve the quality of service offered by its implementation in libraries or centers of documentation.Findings – Not only is there space‐saving in libraries but also a new manner in which to consume information that libraries must adapt to as soon as possible given the increasing demands of users in this connection. All of the previous has given r...
13 citations
TL;DR: The paper demonstrates the value of activity‐based costing in assessing services and addressing issues on how libraries can do more with less.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how a medium‐sized university library implemented activity‐based costing (ABC) and other broad‐based decision‐making strategies to make the necessary budgetary cuts and refocus library services accordingly.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses ABC to quantify the cost‐drive of services in the library.Findings – Given the current budgetary cuts academic libraries are facing, a rational, data‐driven, ABC approach can lead to constructive organizational decision making and outcomes.Originality/value – The paper demonstrates the value of activity‐based costing in assessing services and addressing issues on how libraries can do more with less.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the initiatives that libraries and information services should take from the standpoint of management or services in times of economic crisis or recession such as the one currently occurring.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to present the initiatives that libraries and information services should take from the standpoint of management or services in times of economic crisis or recession such as the one currently occurring. When budget cuts, downsizing and cuts in equipment are continuous, it is important to reflect on the path that each library should take to overcome the crisis while providing users the services they require.Design/methodology/approach – There are projects internationally, including, inter alia, Pulman and Calimera, which highlight the supportive role of lifelong training, of both formal and informal education and of the libraries' contribution to social and economic development. They even claim that along with archives and museums, libraries should collaborate in developing a strong local economy by supporting local businesses and industry in different ways (offering information services, stimulating the acquisition of basic skills and providing career guidance). Logicall...
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the various types of cost-benefit analysis and provide examples of their use and provide practical implications for librarians to consider when contemplating what purchases to make.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to point outs that, when managing strategically, a library administrator might want to use cost‐benefit analysis to prudently spend money and, consequently, would need to understand this methodology.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the various types of cost‐benefit analysis and provides examples of their use.Findings – It is helpful for library managers to have a proper knowledge of cost‐benefit analysis.Practical implications – This provides one methodology that librarians should consider when contemplating what purchases to make.Originality/value – This article will help librarians better manage their libraries by making them aware of cost‐benefit analysis.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an approach to the use of outsourcing of services in libraries and documentation centers, especially since they are eminently public entities at an international level, in order to improve the dynamics of organizations and create new professional profiles within the organization itself.
Abstract: Purpose – Outsourcing is a tool that has been used in companies for decades. However, it has taken much longer for this tool to be implemented in libraries and documentation centers, especially since they are eminently public entities at an international level. The use of such services has increased in recent years and has been especially heightened by the economic crisis in all areas of the aforementioned centers. However, it is important to understand the basis of this type of tool in order to look beyond the fiscal and economic benefits and attempt to see the possibilities provided by the use of these types of services for improving the dynamics of organizations and even creating new professional profiles within the organization itself This study aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approach – The outsourcing of services need not always lead to a loss of know‐how, and when working from the heart of the organization it is a tool that can even be used to support a culture of change and the revit...
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a survey of librarians' experience with budget cuts during the 2008-2009 economic crisis, highlighting key areas of concern such as budgets and personnel.
Abstract: Purpose – This article seeks to provide insight on how librarians managed through the recession. It aims to highlight key areas of concern such as budgets and personnel. It is the culmination of two surveys administered in the succeeding summers of 2009 and 2010.Design/methodology/approach – The library community was notified of the surveys and provided the surveys' link via numerous library listservs. The same listservs were used for each survey. The responses received were from representatives of academic, special and public libraries.Findings – An examination of the surveys reveals that budget cuts were worse in fiscal year (FY) 2009 than they were in 2010. Suggesting the cuts enacted in FY 2009 were effective thus less severe cuts were needed in FY 2010. Stress levels were high for FY 2009 and inched higher in FY 2010. There was no significant help, in terms of cost sharing for purchases, from the departments within the organizations the libraries served. Best practice suggestions were offered in many...
9 citations
TL;DR: The paper provides a “how‐to” approach for librarians to achieve greener printing and copying and provides practical suggestions for achieving greener Printing and copying.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reveal particular unique aspects of librarian pay, retention and hiring issues as a means of advocacy for managers searching for new ways to tackle this function of their work.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal particular unique aspects of librarian pay, retention and hiring issues as a means of advocacy for managers searching for new ways to tackle this function of their work.Design/methodology/approach – The paper gives specific salary negotiation suggestions, and also provides strategic team building concerns on which future planning may be made.Findings – It is found that salary information is shared much more often between librarians at other institutions and this sharing leads to many negative and positive effects for future pay structures within organizations.Originality/value – The paper is original in the sense that it is written for librarians and non‐librarians alike. It presents the issue with candor as a means of sparking fruitful conversation aimed at stabilizing and increasing librarian pay through joint understanding of the issue.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show the importance of making and sticking to well-made policies and how to make them and why it is necessary for any organization to be effective in carrying out its mission.
Abstract: Purpose – This article's purpose is to show the importance of making and sticking to well‐made policies and how to make them.Design/methodology/approach – The article starts with the importance of good policies and procedures, differentiates between the two and then lays out points on how to make and abide by good policies.Findings – The findings are that making and abiding by good policies reflects the library leader's management style and the values of the institution and they are necessary for any organization to be effective in carrying out its mission.Practical implications – Libraries need to have and abide consistently by good policies in order to function properly.Social implications – Libraries need to have and abide consistently by good policies in order to truly benefit their constituents.Originality/value – The value of the article is in learning how to firmly establish a basic aspect of good library management that will help the library director make sound management decisions in diverse situ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the importance of great mentoring to those with financial responsibilities during tough economic times and provide an explanation of the qualities needed by mentors to create a positive result.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide the structure needed to create an in-house training program for libraries as a means for improving staff competencies during periods of economic problems, which can increase a library's case when seeking to justify allocation of resources and will add value to the organization.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide the structure needed to create an in-house training program for libraries as a means for improving staff competencies during periods of economic problems.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper pulls information from the business environment and gives a human resources perspective on training programs used in companies that also have limited financial means.
Findings – The information and structure provided for development of a training program has had proven results.
Practical implications – This information will require action on the part of libraries interested in gaining this advantage.
Originality/value – These proven methods and steps can increase a library's case when seeking to justify allocation of resources and will add value to the organization as it serves its primary clientele.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss preparation for interviews, the interview process, and appropriate follow-up actions after an interview, based on the author's substantial experience dealing with personnel matters in academic, public and special libraries, including hiring for all types of positions.
Abstract: Purpose – This column is designed to address library personnel issues. This particular installment seeks to discuss preparation for interviews, the interview process, and appropriate follow‐up actions after an interview.Design/methodology/approach – The column is based on the author's substantial experience dealing with personnel matters in academic, public, and special libraries, including hiring for all types of positions. It is personal opinion, based on lengthy experience.Findings – The column is intended to help people to deal with all types of personnel issues overall; this specific column is intended to assist people in the process of searching for and interviewing for a professional position.Originality/value – The column is intended to assist people with personnel issues in general, and specifically, in this instance, with finding and securing a professional position.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the myriad non-financial ways in which library managers can motivate employees and address performance issues, reducing attrition and increasing productivity and satisfaction without increasing salaries.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the myriad non‐financial ways in which library managers can motivate employees and address performance issues, reducing attrition and increasing productivity and satisfaction without increasing salaries.Design/methodology/approach – A critical self‐reflection summarizing the author's experiential learning as a new assistant department head tackling a library department's productivity and cost issues with staff processing of course reserves. After an initial description of the situation, the paper explores the theories that apply to the experience, and includes analysis of the experience in light of those theories. The article includes how application by one library manager of findings from motivation, trust, and leadership theory literature was able to reduce staff attrition, increase staff satisfaction, and reduce costs.Findings – The literature from a number of fields demonstrates that there are areas aside from financial compensation that library manage...
TL;DR: It is argued that assigning “weight” in a formula introduces value judgments and subjectivity, leaving only the misplaced illusion of objectivity.
Abstract: 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 objectivityDesign/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 formulasFindings – 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 objectivityOriginality/value – This paper is a review of the philosophical and economic underpinnings in the library literatur
TL;DR: Offers statistical evidence that e‐books will not supplant, now or in the foreseen future, the demand for physical materials.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage caution when considering plans to migrate from physical materials to e‐materials.Design/methodology/approach – The author's argument to encourage caution when considering plans to migrate from physical materials to e‐materials is based on published statistics and personal observation.Findings – When considering current usage of e‐books in comparison to physical materials, the usage of e‐books is statistically insignificant.Originality/value – Offers statistical evidence that e‐books will not supplant, now or in the foreseen future, the demand for physical materials.
TL;DR: Information is provided on the costs associated with the provision of high‐volume print capabilities in an active academic computing area in a large university library and some suggestions for reining‐in waste associated with unnecessary printing.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: The authors discusses the challenges inherent in learning about an organization's culture and the culture of any parent or supporting organizations, and discusses a variety of strategies for navigating organizational culture, in order to foster success.
Abstract: Purpose – This column seeks to address library personnel issues. This particular installment discusses the challenges of determining an organization's culture and the culture of any parent or supporting organizations. It also discusses some strategies for navigating organizational culture.Design/methodology/approach – The column is based on the author's substantial experience dealing with personnel matters in academic, public, and special libraries, including hiring for all types of positions. It is personal opinion, based on lengthy experience.Findings – This article discusses the challenges inherent in learning about an organization's culture and the culture of any parent or supporting organizations. It also discusses a variety of strategies for navigating organizational culture, in order to foster success.Originality/value – The column is intended to help people to deal with all types of personnel issues overall; this specific column is intended to help librarians deal with the challenges of determinin...
TL;DR: It is proposed that librarians act to ensure the continued existence of small, specialized, and non‐profit publishers as avenues of intellectual and academic discourse in an era of growing publishing monopolies.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to propose that librarians act to ensure the continued existence of small, specialized, and non‐profit publishers as avenues of intellectual and academic discourse in an era of growing publishing monopolies.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the profitability of commercial publishers and their plans for expansion in the digital book market, and contrasts this with the continued financial hardships of public‐welfare academic publishers.Findings – The problems for non‐profit academic publishers will not be solved by simply “going digital”.Practical implications – Librarians need to exclude small academic publishers from further burdening through collective collection development.Originality/value – The paper reviews developments in digital book publication from the perspective of a 1997 conference on the “crisis” in academic publishing with current business practices and expansions by large publishing houses.
TL;DR: An open source product introduced in 2010 called GIST Gift and Deselection Manager (GDM) appears to fit the author's needs nearly exactly and is highlighted as an open source workflow option.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose is to explore using databases of freely available electronic books as part of a library's collectionDesign/methodology/approach – The paper considered whether expensive discovery services, an OCLC product, or an open source product would be practical alternatives to the current labor‐intensive system usedFindings – An open source product introduced in 2010 called GIST Gift and Deselection Manager (GDM) appears to fit the author's needs nearly exactlyResearch limitations/implications – Since earlier Getting It System Toolkit (GIST) workflow products have a proven track record, the author would expect library students and practitioners to also experiment with the Gift and Deselection ManagerPractical implications – All can start using GDM anytime when they are ready, without spending any moneySocial implications – The paper highlights an open source workflow optionOriginality/value – The paper notes that the Gift and Deselection Manager was released on August 16, 2010, an event o
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the story of a library cat to encourage substantive personal interaction with public library patrons, which can teach us a lot about ourselves and help to improve service to library patrons.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage substantive personal interaction with public library patrons.Design/methodology/approach – The argument for implementing a service model based on personal interaction is presented.Findings – By using the story of a library cat, library staff can replicate a similar emotional bond and loyalty with its patrons.Originality/value – Affectionate animals can teach us a lot about ourselves and help to improve service to library patrons.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparison of current team dynamics with those of the past to show that merely the context of good team management has changed while the core goal of library team management remained.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explicate the universal theme of teamwork within organizations as a performance factor toward effective and efficient library cost savings and long‐term group success.Design/methodology/approach – Focusing on lessons from the past, along with current research and experience, library managers can gain insight into tried and true actions increasing the potential for team success essential for smooth operations.Findings – A multitude of elements contribute to effective team management. The cultivation of creativity, the resolution and anticipation of conflict, the blending of physical and virtual interaction and a focus on external environments are key.Originality/value – This paper provides a comparison of current team dynamics with those of the past to show that merely the context of good team management has changed while the core goal of library team management has remained.
TL;DR: This paper discusses the benefits of selecting donated books and takes some small libraries in China as examples to conduct the case study, finding that donated books include: quick arrival, lower cost, and a variety of title selections.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: In this paper, a wide range of academic library economic literature is used to clarify the structural problem of library budgeting as well as to find means to reverse the slide into budgetary collapse.
Abstract: Purpose – The rise of academic librarian professionalism coincided with the consolidation and centralization of university libraries. The resulting consolidation of the materials budget offered a revenue stream exploited by increasingly large publishers. Since publishers will always attempt to maximize their profits, the only way to restrict unlimited access to library funds is through reverting to decentralization. One such method is the creation of modules without overlapping funding. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach – This paper relies on a wide range of academic library economic literature in an attempt to clarify the structural problem of library budgeting as well as to find means to reverse the slide into budgetary collapse.Findings – Professional librarians have over‐centralized academic libraries. This has provided publishers in the past with profitable revenue streams that continue to expand even while the library's ability to maintain funding has c...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine what those skills are and how they correlate with new position descriptions and find that creative ways of thinking about vacant positions are necessary in the current environment and that different skills are needed in the twenty-first century from those that might have been sought previously.
Abstract: Purpose – Librarians in the twenty‐first century require different skills from their predecessors. The purpose of this paper is to examine what those skills are and how they correlate with new position descriptions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at ways to analyze vacant positions so that libraries can hire the faculty and staff with the necessary skills.Findings – The paper finds that creative ways of thinking about vacant positions are necessary in the current environment and that different skills are needed in the twenty‐first century from those that might have been sought previously.Originality/value – The paper provides a way to evaluate and assess vacant positions.
TL;DR: A case at the University of St Francis (USF), where common fears and, in some cases, harsh realities of library budget reductions can be strategically allayed or altogether avoided through creativity, changes in motivation and implementation of redesigns in organizational work flows and tasks is described.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a case at the University of St Francis (USF), where common fears and, in some cases, harsh realities of library budget reductions can be strategically allayed or altogether avoided through creativity, changes in motivation and implementation of redesigns in organizational work flows and tasks.Design/methodology/approach – The USF Library shifted focus away from a reactionary stance against pending budget cuts toward a proactive strategy in order to circumvent anticipated reductions in funding for library operations and staff.Findings – Changes in attitudinal and service posturing created an environment that allowed the USF to show itself as a more essential function of its university as a whole. The changes suggested in this paper add more workload to USF existing library functions, but also add more interested stakeholders.Originality/value – This paper offers insight and direction to practitioners looking to investigate the feasibility of selectively in...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss strategies for a new library employee seeking to deal with difficult people at work, when the difficult people are his/her own colleagues, and also provide various strategies and options for addressing these issues.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to discuss strategies for a new library employee seeking to deal with difficult people at work, when the difficult people are his/her own colleagues. It seeks to provide a description of several types of situations that may arise, and general strategies for dealing with them.Design/methodology/approach – The column is based on the author's substantial experience dealing with personnel matters in academic, public, and special libraries, including hiring for all types of positions. It is personal opinion, based on lengthy experience.Findings – The paper addresses library personnel issues. This particular installment helps new employees of libraries identify various types of issues one may have with “difficult” colleagues, and also provides various strategies and options for addressing these issues.Originality/value – The column is intended to help people to deal with all types of personnel issues overall; this specific column is intended to help librarians deal with the challenges ...