Shelagh Fisher

The Critical Incident Technique in Library and Information Management Research

The primary focus of this paper is the application of the Critical Incident Technique in three studies undertaken by researchers in the Department of Information and Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. These are: a study of staff development needs as a key element in a study of change in Higher Education in the UK; a study of decision-making practices in small to medium-size libraries in Europe (the DECIMAL Project)); and the development of a learning support tool, which was intended to focus on supporting library and information workers moving into management (the LISTEN Project). The origins and method of CIT as described in Flanagans seminal paper (1954) are outlined. The use of CIT as a qualitative research technique is discussed, with reference to a number of other relevant studies.

The use of soft systems methodology (SSM) in the management of library and information services: a review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of soft systems methodology (SSM) and review the ways in which the methodology has been applied by managers and researchers to gain a broad understanding of library and information service (LIS) activity.Design/methodology/approach – Seven detailed examples of the application of SSM to LIS activity show for each the aim, rationale for the use of SSM, operationalisation, findings and benefits of using SSM to understand problem situations.Findings – Analysis of the application of SSM in LIS contexts demonstrates the extent of its efficacy in learning and understanding in “problem situations” and the resultant changes to LIS activities.Practical implications – The paper draws together examples of studies which may prompt LIS professionals and researchers to consider the use of SSM in the management of LIS.Originality/value – An in‐depth review of the processes and outcomes of the application of SSM to the understanding of LIS activity is provided.

Towards a model system specification for the procurement of library management systems: results of a feasibility study

A library management system is a significant investment for libraries, but the procurement of a system is an infrequent activity with little opportunity for librarians to build on their experience. The procurement process is also difficult for potential system suppliers who must respond to specifications which are variable in content, format and quality. The HARMONISE project aimed to determine the feasibility of developing a model system specification which could be used to assist libraries in the procurement of library management systems. Specifications collected from libraries which had recently acquired a library management system were analysed. The results demonstrate that the functional requirements specified for each of the core modules had strong similarities both within and across library sectors. A survey of UK system suppliers was also undertaken to determine their views on the specification as a procurement tool. Suppliers expressed frustration with the tendency for specifications to be dominated by lists of functional requirements which were present in all library management systems on the market today. In conclusion, a model specification incorporating basic functions, which can be expected in all library management systems, should be developed.

On the quality and usefulness of the specification in determining a customer’s requirements: a survey of UK library system suppliers

An effective library management system is essential to the operation of services but the procurement of a system is an infrequent activity with little opportunity for librarians to build on or consolidate their experience. The common activity of specifying the operational requirements of a system can consequently be problematic. The procurement process is also difficult for potential system suppliers who must respond to specifications (or RfPs) which are very variable in terms of content, format and quality. A survey of UK library system suppliers was undertaken in January 2000 as part of the UK LIC‐funded HARMONISE Project to determine their views on the quality and usefulness of the specification in the procurement process. The suppliers indicated a number of problems inherent in specifications produced by libraries, such as a lack of clarity, poor structure, variable in technical understanding and with too great a focus on basic functionality which has been tried and tested. A model specification of system requirements for libraries is recommended.

Evaluating the distributed national electronic resource

The UKs development of a Distributed National Electronic Resource (DNE R) is being subjected to intensive formative evaluation by a multi-disciplinary team. In this paper the Project Director reports on initial actions designed to characterise the DNER from multi-stakeholder perspectives.

Information for decision making: the DECIMAL project

The DECIMAL project is a two‐year programme of research and technical investigation towards the development of a decision support module for integrated library systems. Describes the results of the research phase of the project. Examines the significance of performance measurement and other non‐numeric information sources as input to the decision‐making process in a range of small to medium‐sized libraries.

Team Librarianship: The Case for the Branch Librarian

Existing literature on team librarianship is surveyed and found to be sparse, fragmented and limited in scope. The argument that team librarianship offers many benefits to the organisation and to the individual is examined in the light of a research study. The supposed benefits of team librarianship are discussed and contrasted with dysfunctional aspects of team organisation in public libraries. A counter‐argument is made, supporting the role of the more traditional branch librarian. It is concluded that a major reason for introducing team librarianship was to reduce expenditure on staffing.