bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressures and stress in a West Australian hospital
Authors: Duffy Carol , Ching Ann Chan Christopher
Published: July 2002

Using the Occupational Stress Indicator, the results from this study provided a comparative overview of Australian and UK hospital workers’ perceived responses to organizational sources of pressure, use of coping strategies plus outcomes of job satisfaction, mental and physical ill health. The broad picture that emerged was that the Australian hospital workers appeared to have a more favourable working environment as their organization presented fewer sources of pressure. Despite lower levels of contributory pressure, it was apparent that Australian hospital workers perceived similar long‐term outcomes to organizational sources of pressure as the UK hospital worker sample. The Australian hospital workers reported significantly higher perceived physical ill health, and second, similar levels of mental ill health and job satisfaction when compared to the UK hospital workers. In addition, the Australian hospital workers reported increased use of coping strategies. The discussion takes into consideration the context and time frame of the two operating environments.
“Modern” learning methods: rhetoric and reality – further to Sadler‐Smith et al.
Authors: Smith Peter J.
Published: July 2002

Working in the UK, Sadler‐Smith, Down and Lean, in their article “‘Modern’ learning methods: rhetoric and reality”, Personnel Review, Vol. 29 No. 4, 2000, pp. 474‐90, have shown that distance learning methods are neither favoured nor perceived as effective by enterprises pursuing training that yields a competitive edge. They have suggested that these methods need to be integrated with other more conventional on‐job training methods. This paper, based on Australian research, shows a tension between the requirements of flexible training methods based on distance learning methods, and the characteristics that typify learners and their workplaces. That identified tension is used to suggest how an integration of training methods may be effected in workplaces.
Self‐esteem and the self‐censorship of creative ideas
Authors: Williams Scott David
Published: July 2002

Creative processes halt when those who generate creative ideas self‐censor them. Self‐censorship may become a greater concern in performance management as organizations of the future are likely to face growing pressures to be creative, innovative, and adaptive. Self‐censorship was addressed in early research on managing the performance of brainstorming groups, and may have broad implications for creative performance in many facets of today’s organizations. This paper re‐examines the research on self‐censorship in view of recent management and social psychology research in an effort to better understand how the self‐esteem motive and a lack of self‐concept clarity cause self‐censorship. Person‐focused and feedback‐focused strategies to reduce self‐censorship are described, and directions for future research are suggested.
Authoring specialized Web sites: the Education Book Reviews Web site
Authors: Corby Katherine , Sowards Steven
Published: July 2002

The online worlds of education and business increasingly converge. Rather than fear competition for readers from the commercial sector, academic Internet authors can respect and learn from it. The principles behind successful commercial Web sites (clear mission, valuable content, clean design and canny publicity) can be applied by academics in establishing non‐profit Web sites. The origin and progress of the Education Book Reviews Web site, providing brief reviews of current professional publications, illustrates successful applications of these effective techniques.
Intellectual freedom: 2000 and beyond
Authors: Holtze Terri L. , Holtze Terri L. , Rader Hannelore B.
Published: July 2002

For more than 200 years, intellectual freedom has been a constitutional right of US citizens and the world’s oldest democracy. Librarians in particular have helped to protect this important right by ensuring that all citizens have access to whatever information they need. In her introductory article, Hannelore B. Rader enumerates the many examples of people in other countries who have not had or do not have access to all types of information. A good example is the former German Democratic Republic and the Berlin Wall. There are also examples in the USA where groups of people or individuals have tried and still try to censor information and to limit access to information. In the present electronic environment, intellectual freedom has become an even more complex issue by allowing individuals a forum to easily state their opinions, whether truth or propaganda. Librarians are experiencing a growth in “banned books” and controversies surrounding filtering software in public libraries. However, the ultimate question remains: should intellectual freedom be restricted? Contains an extensive bibliography of intellectual freedom resources compiled and annotated by Terri L. Holtze.
Small business resources on the World Wide Web: an evaluative guide
Authors: Awe Susan C.
Published: July 2002

Small business is vitally important to the USA and the global economy and small business owner/managers and entrepreneurs need education, guidance and support to be successful. Presents an evaluative guide to Web sites grouped in the following major categories: general small business information, outstanding small business linking sites, women and minority‐owned information sites, venture capital sites and selected international small business sites.
The librarian’s apprentice: reference graduate assistants
Authors: Womack Kay , Rupp‐Serrano Karen
Published: July 2002

Many libraries utilize graduate assistants in a variety of programmatic areas. Little research, however, has been conducted as to how such students are recruited, selected and employed. Reports the results of a survey of main and undergraduate library reference departments at US academic institutions conferring an ALA‐accredited MLIS or equivalent degree. The survey solicited information about the employment of graduate assistants in such departments in six areas: recruitment, appointment, training, assignments, supervision and evaluation.
Censoring Lady Chatterley’s Lover: a case study and bibliographic guide
Authors: Koger Grove , Kincaid Larry
Published: July 2002

D.H. Lawrence thought Lady Chatterley’s Lover was his best and most important novel. Yet he had to pay to have it privately printed. His publishers thought his sexual descriptions and language were obscene under the censorship laws of the UK and the USA, and they were right. From 1928 until 1959 no‐one could legally publish or sell the unexpurgated novel, and copies were subject to confiscation. All this changed in 1959 when Charles Rembar successfully defended Grove Press’s right to publish the novel. His defense, which rested on a unique interpretation of Justice Brennan’s opinion in Roth v. United States, introduced the redeeming‐social‐value test for obscenity. Within six years it revolutionized American obscenity laws, ensuring that sexual material with even a small measure of social value would enjoy First Amendment protection.
Guide to free online legal and legislative resources
Authors: Cramer Jane
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a guide to free online legislative and legal resources for non‐law librarians. Due to the efforts of the federal and state governments, in addition to the efforts of law school librarians, a wealth of resources has been collected and made available through the Internet on the World Wide Web. This is an excellent time for librarians in public and academic libraries without large law and government collections to take advantage of these new resources. This guide attempts to identify specific resources, show the scope of materials available, and discuss which sites offer extra features that enhance their usefulness. Some sites with good collections of historic and primary resources are also included.
Human Rights on the Internet: A Select Bibliography of Web Resources
Authors: Carter Christina E. , Davidson Russ
Published: July 2002

The regular occurrence of human rights abuses makes timely dissemination of information imperative. Much as the fax machine alerted those outside China's borders to its student pro‐democracy movement, the Internet has become a key instrument of communication to individuals and organizations engaged in more recent human rights activities. The many organizational, regional, and country Internet sites, networks, documents, alerts, documentation projects, and news services on human rights provide vital information to those interested or directly involved in protection of human rights. In this article, Carter and Davidson present a cross‐section of Internet sites, chiefly from the World Wide Web.
Right‐wing opposition to Bill Clinton and his presidency: an annotated bibliography
Authors: Metz Allan
Published: July 2002

President Bill Clinton has had many opponents and enemies, most of whom come from the political right wing. Clinton supporters contend that these opponents, throughout the Clinton presidency, systematically have sought to undermine this president with the goal of bringing down his presidency and running him out of office; and that they have sought non‐electoral means to remove him from office, including Travelgate, the death of Deputy White House Counsel Vincent Foster, the Filegate controversy, and the Monica Lewinsky matter. This bibliography identifies these and other means by presenting citations about these individuals and organizations that have opposed Clinton. The bibliography is divided into five sections: General; “The conspiracy stream of conspiracy commerce”, a White House‐produced “report” presenting its view of a right‐wing conspiracy against the Clinton presidency; Funding; Conservative organizations; and Publishing/media. Many of the annotations note the links among these key players.
The learning environment – then, now and later: 30 years of teaching information skills
Authors: Rader Hannelore B.
Published: July 2002

This article traces 30 years of library instruction innovation, including the creation of the first conference on Library Orientation at Eastern Michigan University in 1971 and the LOEX (Library Orientation Exchange) Clearinghouse, both of which continue to this day. Particular attention is paid to information literacy project activities in the national and international environments.
Attempts to advance the role of training: process and context
Authors: Hallier Jerry
Published: July 2002

While HRM has stimulated studies assessing the extent of UK training, there has been little sustained research into trainer roles and influence. Using semi‐structured interviews with trainers in public and private sector organizations, considers the assumptions and tactics that trainers use to enhance their influence. Shows that, at a rudimentary level of service, attendant approaches to build credibility with line management locks training into a subservient position. Likewise, while shared threats can close some of the status gap between training and line management, alliance tactics are insufficient to improve the general status of trainers. High status training is not achieved by a progressive passage through a common sequence of mobility stages. It develops from a supportive training culture where trainers develop new ways to assess their organizational contribution on conventional performance criteria and from charismatic trainers innovating training knowledge. Continually reinventing their contribution, however, means that high status remains conditional.
Benchmarking HRM and the benchmarking of benchmarking
Authors: Rodwell John J. , Lam Jeremy , Fastenau Maureen
Published: July 2002

Organisations with low absenteeism and low turnover can be distinguished from organisations with high absenteeism and turnover through the identification and implementation of sophisticated and strategic best practices such as benchmarking relative cost position, developing a corporate ethic, valuing the negotiation of an enterprise agreement, and not having a written OH&S policy. Several of the remaining 16 practices identified in the literature as best practices, including benchmarking customer service, having a policy addressing recruitment, selection and promotion, were shown to be standard industry practice in the AFI. The findings suggest that benchmarking allows organisations to identify and replicate the innovations of competitors, but competitive advantage requires innovation rather than replication.
Part‐time employment and communication satisfaction in an Australian retail organisation
Authors: Gray Judy , Laidlaw Heather
Published: July 2002

This study uses an empirical case study to examine the relationship between flexible work arrangements (whether employees work on a full‐time or part‐time basis) and one aspect of employee relations, namely communication satisfaction. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from employees in a major Australian retail organisation, resulting in 127 useable responses. The survey included the communication satisfaction questionnaire. Overall, respondents’ ratings of communication satisfaction indicated that at best they were only slightly satisfied. Part‐time employees were significantly more dissatisfied than full‐time employees on four dimensions of communication satisfaction. The study provides evidence that part‐time employees are outside mainstream communication in the stores examined. The implications of the results for employee relations are discussed. Future research directions are identified.
The “Disorganized Paradigm”
Authors: Rose Ed
Published: July 2002

Analyses change in industrial relations using Lash and Urry′s
“disorganized” paradigm. Argues that the transformation from
“organized” to “disorganized” capitalism is
currently reflected in an analogous shift towards
“disorganized” industrial relations, particularly at the
organizational level, as evidenced by the proliferation of fragmented
HRM practices within many organizations. Uses Flanders′ contribution to
demonstrate that the partial breakdown of normative regulation of
industrial relations at workplace level during the 1960s (the
“challenge from below”) has been largely supplanted by the
employer‐imposed “challenge from above”. Consequently,
argues that, far from restoring a normative regulatory framework, the
employers′ challenge has contributed to the recent disaggregation of
industrial relations structures and processes.
Quality Management and the Manager
Authors: Wilkinson Adrian , Redman Tom , Snape Ed
Published: July 2002

Looks at Quality Management (QM) and its extent of success or
failure. Presents survey results, by the Institute of Management, which
enables a further discussion. The survey, by postal questionnaire, was
sent to 4,000 British Institute of Management members, and 880 usable
responses (22 per cent) were received. The results and effects were
discussed and key questions addressed. Concludes that there has been
surprisingly little research on such issues and that although postal
questionnaires are not ideal for research on this topic, the key issues
highlighted can be further investigated through in‐depth case study
research.
Theoretical and Ethical Foundations of Human Resource Management
Authors: Jürgen Drumm Hans
Published: July 2002

Poses the question whether, on an academic
level, human resource management (HRM) is a
scientific discipline of management. To arrive
at an answer, brings together findings of a
survey concerning the foundations of HRM
then links them by four central hypotheses.
The first (rather speculative) hypothesis claims
that, in Germany at least, the discussion of
HRM problems over the last 30 years has been
selective and influenced by different and
changing paradigms of HRM. The second
hypothesis is that nearly all formulations of
HRM concepts have to be embedded in a
national context. The third hypothesis states
that even given the restricting effect of
hypotheses one and two, a theory pitfall exists
preventing any theoretical foundation of effective
HRM and forcing us to construct intelligent,
but untested, HRM hypotheses. The
fourth hypothesis links the problems of these
untested hypotheses with the problem of
ethical norms for HRM in theory and practice.
The final judgement is that the high theoretical
requirements of HRM as an academic
discipline cannot be fulfilled.
Trade union recognition: CIR and ACAS experience
Authors: Kessler Sid
Published: July 2002

Considers issues relating to trade union recognition following a
recent Trades Union Congress (TUC) report. Looks at the the UK′s past
experience in this field, featuring the work of bodies such as the
Commission on Industrial Relations (CIR) and the Advisory, Conciliation
and Arbitration Service (ACAS). Suggests this past experience might shed
some light on issues outlined by the TUC report, such as the nature of
any future public agency responsible for determining claims for union
recognition, its operational criteria and legal sanctions available to
it.
Human resource management in Austria
Authors: Mayrhofer Wolfgang
Published: July 2002

Highlights current HRM practice and its potential future
developments in Austria. Develops a framework for analysing Austrian
HRM, focusing on the regulatory environment at plant and supra‐plant
level, the impact of industry structure on HR practice, and finally on
geo‐political and economic influences. Using empirical data from the
study of the Cranfield Network on European HRM (CRANET‐E), analyses the
characteristics of current practice in Austrian HRM. Identifies and
assesses future developments, especially those triggered by Austria′s
accession to the European Union and discusses their implications for
Austrian HRM theory and practice.
Workplace governance and performance
Authors: Metcalf David
Published: July 2002

Collective industrial relations are crumbling. Alternatives include
employee involvement and authoritarian forms of workplace governance.
Uses evidence from the third workplace industrial relations survey to
analyse associations between these different types of governance and
workplace performance.
Getting personal in personnel recruitment
Authors: Mathews Brian P. , Redman Tom
Published: July 2002

Observes that the use of personal characteristics in job advertisements is discouraged within the prescriptive literature. Examines the extent to which advertisers for personnel specialists apply them in practice, and the range of characteristics put to use. Findings show that 80 per cent of advertisements contain reference to at least one personal characteristic. Concludes that social skills, particularly communication, appear to be the most important characteristic of personnel specialists, but there is, nevertheless, variation between differing job areas. Concludes that, although advertisers seem to follow stereotypes when putting together advertisements, they do not make particularly good use of personal characteristics.
Employee relations in Singapore ‐ current issues and problems
Authors: Chwee‐Huat Tan
Published: July 2002

Examines four recent employee relations issues in Singapore. These include dependency on foreign workers, an ageing workforce, impact of companies relocating their labour‐intensive industries to other countries, and problems related to privatization of government‐linked companies. The employment of foreign workers is constrained by an imposed levy and quota. Extending the retirement age provides jobs for older workers. However, employers perceive them as less productive and more expensive unless the wage system can be modified. Workers made redundant by company relocation are the less skilled. Proposes that the solution lies in retraining and upgrading the skills of workers.
The Commission on Industrial Relations in Britain 1969‐74: a retrospective and prospective evaluation
Authors: Kessler Sid , Palmer Gill
Published: July 2002

Examines the history of the Commission on Industrial Relations (CIR) 1969‐74 ‐ its origins, organization and policies ‐ and then evaluates its contribution as an agent of reform in the context of the perceived problems of the 1960s and 1970s. Considers whether there are any lessons to be learnt for the future given the possibility of a Labour Government, developments in Europe and the 1995 TUC policy document Your Voice at Work. Despite the drastic changes in industrial relations and in the economic, political and social environment, the answer is in the affirmative. In particular, the importance of a new third‐party agency having an independent governing body like the CIR and not a representative body like the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS); in its workflow not being controlled by government; and in its decisions on recognition being legally enforceable.
Taiwanese labour management in China
Authors: Schak David C.
Published: July 2002

Interviews of 40 Taiwanese factory managers in China reveal problems with local workers, unanticipated because of the assumed shared language and culture. Problems include poor job commitment or work discipline, high turnover rates, disinterest in learning new skills or job advancement, pilferage, intergroup hostilities and poor training and education. Unable to import worker management methods and systems they had been using in Taiwan, the managers have adopted production‐based remuneration, fines, employee education, and attention to employee welfare and satisfaction.
Doing yourself out of a job?
Authors: Denham Nicola , Ackers Peter , Travers Cheryl
Published: July 2002

Looks at the effect of modern empowerment policies on middle management. The transition of middle managers from technical experts to coaches, and the position at the sharpest point of conflict between senior management and employees, means that empowerment often requires middle management to implement a policy which threatens their own jobs. Based on 28 management interviews and five focus groups held within two large UK organizations between 1995‐1996, this research seeks to to answer three central questions: How does empowerment affect middle managers? What coping mechanisms do they use? What are the implications for the organizations? The results show that, in line with previous literature, managers are resisting empowerment policies to some extent. However, the added fear of redundancy among middle managers means that they are, to varying extents, beginning to “act” their compliance to empowerment affecting the ultimate success of such initiatives.
The future of trade unionism: injustice, identity and attribution
Authors: Kelly John
Published: July 2002

States that the future of trade unionism depends partly on structural factors such as the level of unemployment and also on workers coming to believe that unionism is essential to protect their interests. Draws from the literature on social movements to analyse the ways in which workers arrive at such a viewpoint. According to theory workers must feel a sense of injustice, they must believe management is responsible and they must hold negative views of management. Data from theBritish Social Attitudessurveys suggest that a growing number of employees have indeed come to share such views. Posits that this encouraging news for trade unions is somewhat offset by the fact that a growing proportion of employees also believes unions may be too weak to make a difference at the workplace, but if this perception could be overcome then the future for unionism is very encouraging.
The “non‐permanent” reality!
Authors: Tregaskis Olga
Published: July 2002

Looks at how the rise in the use of non‐permanent employees has stimulated much debate concerning the long‐term impact on the success of organizations and skill development at the organizational and national level. Draws on internationally comparable data from 12 countries to explore the relationship between non‐permanent work and organizational profitability, workforce expansion and investment in employee training and development. Argues that national contextual conditions, in terms of employment legislation and training traditions, and the management of non‐permanent workers are important factors affecting the efficiency outcomes associated with using this particular flexible employment option.
Forget Japan: the very British response to lean production
Authors: Scarbrough Harry , Terry Mike
Published: July 2002

Contrasts theories of the “Japanization” of British industry with empirical evidence from established car producers in that industry. Suggests that while the UK car industry has been heavily influenced by Japanese methods, established producers follow policies marked by indigenous influences rather than by any unmediated Japanese effect. Proceeds to explore relationships between processual change in plant‐level work organization and the overarching context of institutions and ideas. Investigates the relevance of the two major theoretical models of workplace change in the motor industry ‐ the “diffusion” and the “bolt‐on” models of change ‐ and their conflicting interpretations of the impact of the Japanese “lean production” approach. Compares models with case‐studies of changing work practices at Rover and Peugeot and suggests that neither model provides a satisfactory account of the patterns of change found. Develops instead a model of change which emphasizes the creative adaptation of production practices within the British context.
Japanization on the shopfloor
Authors: Oliver Nick , Delbridge Rick , Lowe James
Published: July 2002

This paper reports the findings of a study into 12 UK and nine Japanese automotive component plants. Compared to the UK plants, the Japanese plants showed a 60 per cent superiority on productivity and a 9:1 superiority in quality. Detailed examination of work structures on the shopfloor revealed that UK plants devolve more responsibility to operators for activities such as quality monitoring and improvement, work allocation and work pace determination than the Japanese plants do. This implies that key aspects of the Japanese model may have been misrepresented in the Japanization debate.
Greenfields and “wildebeests”: management strategies and labour turnover in Japanese firms in Telford
Authors: Smith Chris
Published: July 2002

This article examines the nature of industrial relations and work practices in Japanese firms within an investment cluster in Telford, Shropshire. Telford has the highest concentration of Japanese firms in one site in Britain. The article examines how conditions which were supposedly favourable to the transfer of Japanese production and personnel practices ‐ a new town, offering greenfield investment opportunities within a quiescent industrial relations environment ‐ actually did not facilitate ease of transfer. Rather, we suggest that problems within the labour market, including the very absence of trade unions as a collective voice for expressing workers’ grievances, created conditions unfavourable to the transplantation of Japanese work and personnel practices.
In and beyond European works councils
Authors: Weston Syd , Martinez Lucio Miguel
Published: July 2002

Reviews the competing perspectives given to the developments of European works councils (EWCs). In doing this an evaluation is given regarding the current state of the European labour movement and its ability to condition and influence contemporary practices of multinational corporations in an era of disturbances to existing national industrial relations regimes. In particular, the article addresses the concerns raised by commentators who adopt the position that EWCs may undermine traditional forms of joint regulation and, consequently, reinforce the development of narrow/parochial enterprise‐based unionism. The paper questions this position by offering an alternative interpretation regarding the evolution and influence that EWCs can have on the management of MNCs. It highlights how management information systems, organisational structures and power relations are vulnerable to employee collaborative activities across national boundaries.
Works councils and teamwork in a German car plant
Authors: Murakami Thomas
Published: July 2002

The paper contributes to the discussion on works councils and teamwork in the German auto industry. General Motors’ Opel plant in Germany has been chosen to study works councils’ participation in the process of introducing teamwork, and the effects of teamwork on workers’ representation on the shopfloor. The paper discusses the “dual structure” of works councils and union representatives, and will examine their role during the introduction of teamwork and relationship to their elected team spokespersons. The two key findings are: first, both levels of workers’ representation have contributed to the successful introduction of workplace changes and second, team spokespersons can be seen as a third level of workers’ representation.
Employment relations in SMEs
Authors: Kinnie Nick , Purcell John , Hutchinson Sue , Terry Mike , Collinson Margaret , Scarbrough Harry
Published: July 2002

The changing environment within which SMEs are operating is examined by reference to detailed case studies of three medium‐sized firms (one in the pharmaceutical sector and two in engineering). Following the development of a framework for analysis the cases are discussed to illustrate the direct and indirect ways in which pressures in the network of business relationships affect the management of employment relations. Particular attention is given to the effects of these pressures on management structure, work organisation and human resources policies and practices. Far from enjoying greater discretion following the decline in institutional arrangements and labour market deregulation, managers in SMEs find themselves constrained in new ways. It is argued that employment relations in these firms is shaped strongly by specific customer requirements exercised through the supply chain rather than being driven by broad market forces.
Decentralised and deregulated Australian industrial relations
Authors: Horstman Bob
Published: July 2002

This article analyses the recent move from highly centralised and regulated Australian industrial relations processes towards a decentralised and deregulated system which emphasises enterprise and individual employee level determination of pay and conditions. The article focuses on the Western Australian Workplace Agreement system designed to take account of the interests of small business. Statistical analysis and case studies are used to identify the extent to which small service sector enterprises have used this more “flexible” framework to implement improved HRM processes. An evaluation of HRM “best practice” literature and case study analyses of successful small, service enterprises are used to analyse the questionable relevance to this sector of existing HRM “best practice” models. The omission of “functional” and “numerical” flexibility from many models is identified as being particularly problematic. The article outlines a research programme to identify the strategic use made of these forms of flexibility in other sectors.
An overview of the literature of management and of information and library services management 1999
Authors: Layzell Ward Patricia
Published: July 2002

Reviews the literature of management and information and library service management for 1999.
Trends in monograph acquisitions in UK libraries
Authors: Chapman Ann , Creaser Claire , Spiller David
Published: July 2002

A unique data set, recording a representative sample of the acquisitions of public and academic libraries in the UK between 1980 and 1998, has been analysed for evidence of trends in acquisitions. Examination of acquisition date relative to publication date revealed public libraries buying little older material, and academic libraries increasing purchases of older titles. Paperback purchase by public libraries has risen, but remained more stable in academic libraries. Public library purchasing reflects current public interest in practical and hobby subjects, but in other areas levels of purchase are at variance with statistics of use. Academic library purchase is dominated by social science material, disproportionate to student numbers. Purchase price analysis suggests a trend to reliance on interlending to satisfy demand for more expensive titles. The findings raise questions about current acquisitions practice and the influence of publishers and suppliers; some further areas for work are identified.
Researching into childhood studies
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: July 2002

Childhood studies is an attractive field for research but presents a number of challenges because it is multi‐disciplinary and eclectic. It offers many opportunities to make connections between mainstream historical, literary, cultural, sociological, educational, and bibliographical studies. As such, it can benefit from novelty and suffer from scholarly credibility over agenda and methodology. At its best, it sheds light on the cultural crosscurrents and assumptions of its time, and helps library professionals better understand their work with children.
The historical context of eLib: practice‐based library research in the UK
Authors: Brophy Peter
Published: July 2002

Considers the history of practice‐based research in the UK library and information science sector, and demonstrates that the emphasis in the recent eLib programme on practitioner involvement and leadership has its roots in research carried out 30 or more years ago. It is suggested that practice‐based research has an important role to play in stimulating significant, far‐reaching developments and in training new generations of professional leaders.
Excuse me, how do I commit suicide? Access to ethically disputed items of information in public libraries
Authors: Juznic Primoz , Urbanija Jose , Grabrijan Edvard , Miklavc Stasoa , Oslaj Damijana , Svoljsak Sonja
Published: July 2002

Reports the findings of an investigation carried out in Slovenian public libraries, which was designed to determine whether librarians would be reluctant to provide information or materials on ethically disputed topics. The three topics used in the test were: suicide, necrophilia, and photographs or pictures of corpses. The conclusions were that the issue was a matter of quality of reference services,
Management issues of co‐operative ventures and consortia in the USA. Part one
Authors: Evans G. Edward
Published: July 2002

Discusses the issues that arise in the management of co‐operative activities and consortia, and the different skill sets needed. It explores some of the theoretical and real challenges that managers encounter when establishing and maintaining successful co‐operative projects and formal consortia programs.
A review of consortia building among university libraries in Africa
Authors: Alemna A.A. , Antwi I.K.
Published: July 2002

Discusses evolving trends in library consortia building against the backdrop of recent developments in some African countries. The expected benefits and barriers to consortia building are highlighted. The writers then suggest the way forward in successful consortia building among university libraries in Africa.
German university library budgets – model and reality
Authors: Griebel Rolf
Published: July 2002

Describes the model budget for university libraries, which has been
devised by the Wissenschaftsrat. Discusses the budgetary reality
of academic libraries in Germany. Concludes by considering how to cope
with the crisis of the supply of literature caused by financial
restraints.
The use (and non‐use) of the British Library′s photographic
services
Authors: Bergonzi Ben
Published: July 2002

Reports on market research undertaken to ascertain the size and
scope of the British Library′s photographic services′ market. Describes
the methodology of the research and the information obtained. Will be of
use to other large libraries offering photographic (as opposed to simply
reprographic) services. Concludes by discussing the future development
of the service.
Picking up the pieces: an organizational profile of the Library Disaster Centre
Authors: Polloni Diana , Harkins Barney
Published: July 2002

Businesses which lose their paper documents in a disaster face tremendous losses and potential closure. Document SOS specializes in restoring paper materials damaged by fire, flood, mould or bomb attacks. Their specialist techniques rely on analysing the complex chemical properties of the different types of paper and damage. Document SOS has also extended its consultancy services through the Library Disaster Centre. Members have access to a database of advice and procedures and a 24‐hour pledge in case of emergency.
The enneagram and the library
Authors: Morris Leslie R. , Cramer Sharon F.
Published: July 2002

The enneagram (pronounced any‐a‐gram, a Greek word for a nine‐sided shape) is a psychological theory that was introduced to the USA in the 1960s. Use of the enneagram for the study of personality types provides the opportunity to learn about oneself and others. The enneagram has become increasingly popular in the last decade, and there are over 30 recent books devoted to the enneagram and its uses. The enneagram is a diagram of each person’s personality. Areas revealed include motives, fears, desires, strengths and weaknesses. This psychological model divides people’s behaviour into nine distinct types. Each type, usually referred to by its number, is unique. Knowledge of the enneagram will enable you to predict a person’s response in various situations. The authors have adapted common responses to library situations.
Building a new university library in Ljubljana
Authors: Music Marko
Published: July 2002

Describes the need for the new building of the National and University Library and Central Technological Library of the University in Ljubljana. Describes the project of the building and the co‐operation of two libraries in one building.
Mathematical modelling of organization and information technology
Authors: Sehanovic Jusuf , Zugaj Miroslav
Published: July 2002

Presents a mathematical model of organization, comprehending it as a complex of informational and co‐informational processes. The organizational structure includes inputs and outputs of material, energy and information above which is the procedure of operational complex with the next types of transformation: preparation; input; processing; output; delivery; emission (or storage). Emphasizes those information processes in particular where, under the influences of information technology (IT) in organizations, most hierarchic levels of managing are lost, so that organizations become “flatter” in structure. Includes schematic diagrams of development phases of organization under the influence of IT.
Managing with quality assurance
Authors: Dawes Susan
Published: July 2002

Considers the nature of quality assurance and its implementation within a multidisciplinary private practice of contruction industry design consultants. Reviews the integration of the practice’s information services department into the quality assurance system. Stresses the continuing benefits conferred throughout the organization, including an attitude of total involvement and mutual responsibility across the practice. Concludes that the legacy of introducing quality assurance is a sound management system.
Motivating staff in Nigerian university libraries
Authors: Abifarin Abimbola
Published: July 2002

Reports on a survey conducted to investigate the level of motivation among librarians and para‐professional staff in Nigerian university libraries using the questionnaire method to elicit the necessary data. Major variables considered are: training opportunities, frequency of development, work environment, promotion prospects, sabbatical leave, communication and management style. Also attempts a brief definition of motivation and examines the views of a few classical writers on the subject. Reveals a general dissatisfaction with all the variables but one, i.e. frequency of development. All the respondents agreed with the frequency of development of staff in their respective libraries. Suggests some practical ways of motivating staff. Chief among these is the management style of university librarians going out to see for themselves what is going on in the various sections of the libraries. By this, university librarians will be able to observe their staff at work, talk to them in their various offices on a regular basis and be able to carry out on‐the‐spot assessment, listen and praise staff as the case may be.
A quest for an agricultural information programme for Southern Africa
Authors: Thapisa A.P.N.
Published: July 2002

Begins by tracing the efforts that have been undertaken to establish an agricultural information programme in Southern Africa. Argues that in order to develop an appropriate agricultural information programme in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) there is need to establish in each SADC country an agricultural information policy which supports both the generation of agricultural information and the development and training of agricultural information specialists. Gives an illustration of a programme which will provide the necessary professional training. Stresses that existing agricultural libraries need to be empowered in such a way that they are able to carry out their function effectively. A regional network should also be established to provide for the speedy delivery of information to end‐users. Concludes by calling for stability in the region to enable the agricultural information programme to succeed.
An evaluation of current public library service to the full‐time employed
Authors: Wadley Andrea L. , Broady Judith E. , Hayward Tim E.
Published: July 2002

Public library service to the full‐time employed is a topic which is sparsely covered in the library and information science literature of the UK. The full‐time employed are one of the largest segments in the public library market and, as failure to provide an effective service to this client group is a direct contravention of the statutory duty of public libraries, it is a topic worthy of investigation. Assesses and evaluates current service provision to this large market segment using the marketing mix as an analytical framework. Identifies and discusses the discrepancies between the needs and wants of this client group, and the services which are provided for them. In addition, delineates the barriers to their use of libraries.
A critical perspective on fund raising communication: genre in search of rhetoric
Authors: House Robert G.
Published: July 2002

Describes how professional fund‐raisers write and speak persuasively to many audiences, utilizing various media. Explains that the essence of fund‐raising is motivating individuals through symbolic action to behave in a desired way. Argues that fund‐raising is essentially a rhetorical exercise and that the utilization of criteria for assessing rhetorical acts is warranted. Rhetorical criteria direct the fund‐raiser to ask important questions pertaining to the purpose, audience, barriers ‐ the rhetorical problem ‐ and the structure of persuasive communication. Argues also that the fundamental Aristotelian genre is apparent in most fund‐raising rhetorical acts and the genre is identified through recurring characteristics of the rhetoric and helps to define the relationship between form and content. Maintains that successful fund‐raisers relied as much on experience and intuition as on formal rhetorical theory but rhetorical criteria may provide the practitioner with a template by which to create persuasive symbolic action in a broader context not limited to a single communicative act.
Opportunities for the commercialization of Caribbean information networks
Authors: Evan‐Wong Sue
Published: July 2002

In the context of assisting in the sustainable development of Caribbean regional information networks, assesses the potential of existing networks to develop commercial services. First evaluates selected networks against a model business strategy. Then identifies areas suitable for commercialization, and describes constraints to commercialization which are directly linked to existing policies at institutional and government levels. Suggests policy adjustments which will allow for the more efficient and effective development of commercial information services.
Winning resources
Authors: Heery Mike
Published: July 2002

This paper explores the question of how librarians can win financial resources from their parent organisations. It maintains that securing funding is essential at a time of change and goes on to advocate practical techniques for improving the acquisition and management of financial resources. The paper examines the financial environment of many libraries, covering financial cuts, organisational changes, contracting out, service level agreements and income generation. The importance of the integration of libraries and information units within their parent bodies is considered. The paper stresses the importance of political skills in winning resources and explores what this means in practice for public, academic and special librarians. Finally, the paper looks at some aspects of austerity management.
Bullying at work
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: July 2002

Notes the growth of bullying in the workplace; defines “bullying” and discusses forms of bullying. The action that should be taken by managers and organisations is reviewed.
Quality services: policies and practices in Malaysia
Authors: Osman Zaiton , Goon Carole Ann , Hajrah Wan Aris Wan
Published: July 2002

Reports on research undertaken because the Malaysian delegation to an ASEAN‐COCI seminar felt there was a need to understand what is meant by “Quality” from the librarian’s perspective. A survey was undertaken to obtain feedback from librarians. Questionnaires were sent to all (10) university librarians, all (13) state public libraries and six selected special libraries. The response rate was 100 per cent from university libraries, 77 per cent from public libraries and 100 per cent from special libraries. An analysis of the responses provided insights into what quality means to librarians, the policy infrastructure available, the obstacles faced by librarians in the implementation of quality measures and the strategies they employ to ensure quality services. It also provided an insight into their future plans.
Setting up a subject directory of Web sites: a case study of Management Link
Authors: Griffiths Andrea
Published: July 2002

As the volume of publishing on the Internet grows, there is a need to provide better access to management resources on the World Wide Web. This article describes how information researchers at the Institute of Management in the UK, compiled a directory of management Web sites called Management Link. The whole process is covered, from searching for relevant sites to arranging them in categories and laying out the Management Link Web pages. Attention is also given to publicising the directory and setting up a monitoring programme to ensure that Management Link remains current.
Information intermediaries in the next millennium: an agenda for action for the development of information consultancy and brokerage in Africa
Authors: Ocholla Dennis
Published: July 2002

Explores and presents an agenda for action in introducing and developing information consultancy and brokerage as an alternative information service in Africa. The agenda focuses on co‐ordination and publicity of the services, research, LIS education, market, trends and problems. The author explores the results of a study he conducted in Botswana in order to compile the agenda and concludes that as long as the African communities increasingly consume post‐industrial and information society or western products and services, “ruralness”, poverty, illiteracy and underdeveloped information infrastructure, alone, cannot alienate the information consumers from exploiting and using information consultancy and brokerage services. This article, based on a paper presented by the author at the 13‐SCECSAL conference in Nairobi in July 1998, suggests a need for a conference or pre‐SCECSAL seminar, on the subject in the near future, for information specialists in Africa. A draft directory of information consultants and brokers in Botswana is appended to the paper.