17:610:570
Management of Library and Information Organizations

Dr. Betty J. Turock

DescriptionPrerequisitesObjectivesOrganizationAssignmentsRequirementsBibliography

Catalog Description

An introduction to the current state of management theory, ethics and practice focusing on leadership and the management of organizational change. Organizational culture explored as an underpinning for the principle roles and functions of managers, including developing information policy; and managing new information technologies, information and decision support systems, finances, human resources conducive to the creation of a multicultural workforce for a multicultural society.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Objectives

  1. Introduce classical and contemporary theories of organization and their application to the current management of libraries and information service organizations.
  2. Develop an understanding of organizational change through planning, organizing, staffing, leading, communicating and evaluating.
  3. Focus on managerial decision-making and participatory management and their relationship to the utilization of management information and decision support systems.
  4. Consider the impact of new information technology on the management of libraries and information service organizations.
  5. Increase awareness of information policy issues and their effect on libraries and information organizations.

Organization of the Course

Major Assignments

Assignments for the course are meant to blend theory with application. All Library Workshops, i.e., a library willing to allow you to study its Management functions, will be guaranteed confidentiality in classroom reports and discussions. They may be given copies of your final work, if you and they desire.
  1. Literature Critique (30% of grade)
    Every student will select one article to report on to the class. Critique the article for its importance to today's management of library and information service organizations. Does it provide important or new insights? What are they? Due throughout the classes.
  2. Mid-Semester Paper (30% of grade)
    Select a library leader either in New Jersey or nationally. Gather data on his/her background. Describe why you selected this person, including the criteria you used. (Oral overview-3 min.) Due Class IX.
  3. Contemporary Workshop Management (40% of grade)
    From the list attached, or approved by your professor, select a topic on the management of library and information service organizations. Write a paper on the issues surrounding it that are important to today's librarians. Schedule an appointment with the director of at least one library or library service to help you decide on a topic and gather advice on the issue. (Oral overview-5 min.) Due Class XIV.

Requirements for the Course

  1. Class attendance. Practice assertively presenting a point of view backed up by information you have gathered that is relevant to the topic. It is expected that you will come to class each week, ready to participate in discussions based on your reading as well as your experience.
  2. Reading assignments. Actively apply what you learn to class discussions, activities and assignments.
  3. Completing all assignments on time.

Bibliography


DescriptionPrerequisitesObjectivesOrganizationAssignmentsRequirementsBibliography
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