Loading
Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
This is the complete lecture note for LIS 214 Management of Libraries and Information Centres. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS LIS214 Management of Libraries and Information Centres (2 Units: 30LH) Series 1 Foundations of Library and Information Centre Management Series outline • Part 1: Concept of Management in Libraries and Information Centres • Sub-Part 1.1: Definition and scope of management • Sub-Part 1.2: Roles, powers, and responsibilities of the librarian • Part 2: Principles and Functions of Management in Library Settings • Sub-Part 2.1: Core principles of management • Sub-Part 2.2: Key functions of management in libraries • Part 3: Contemporary Perspectives in Library Management • Sub-Part 3.1: Emerging trends in library and information centre management • Sub-Part 3.2: Challenges and opportunities in modern library management Introduction Libraries and information centres are vital institutions that support learning, research, and community development. Managing them effectively requires not only knowledge of general management principles but also an understanding of the unique responsibilities and challenges faced by librarians. This Series introduces you to the foundations of management as applied to libraries, helping you appreciate the importance of structured leadership in ensuring that these centres remain relevant and responsive to user needs. The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of the concept of management in libraries and information centres, and to highlight the roles and responsibilities of librarians in applying management principles to real-world situations. We shall commence this Series by examining the concept of management in libraries and information centres, including its definition, scope, and the specific roles of librarians. Next, we will explore the principles and functions of management, focusing on how they apply to library settings. Finally, we will conclude by considering contemporary perspectives, including emerging trends and challenges that shape the future of library and information centre management. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to:
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • SLO 1.1 define the concept and scope of management in libraries and information centres, • SLO 1.2 explain the roles, powers, and responsibilities of librarians in management, • SLO 1.3 analyse the principles and functions of management as applied to library settings, and • SLO 1.4 evaluate contemporary perspectives, including emerging trends and challenges in library and information centre management. 1.1 Concept of Management in Libraries and Information Centres 1.1.1 Definition and scope of management Management refers to the process of planning, organising, directing, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals. In the context of libraries and information centres, management involves coordinating people, materials, finances, and technology to ensure that services are delivered effectively and efficiently. The scope of management in libraries extends beyond routine operations, encompassing strategic planning, policy development, and the integration of modern information systems. Libraries are unique organisations because they serve diverse users, ranging from students and researchers to members of the public. Effective management ensures that these users have access to relevant resources, that staff are motivated and guided, and that the library remains sustainable in terms of funding and innovation. Fill in the blank: Management in libraries involves planning, organising, directing, and ______ resources to achieve goals.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1.2 Roles, powers, and responsibilities of the librarian The librarian is the professional responsible for overseeing the operations of a library or information centre. The librarian’s role is multifaceted, combining administrative duties with professional expertise in information organisation and retrieval. • Roles: Librarians act as managers, educators, and facilitators. They design programmes, guide users in accessing information, and ensure that the library’s mission aligns with institutional or community goals.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Powers: Librarians often have authority to make decisions regarding acquisitions, staffing, and service delivery. This authority enables them to allocate resources effectively and respond to emerging needs. • Responsibilities: Librarians are accountable for maintaining collections, managing staff, preparing budgets, and reporting activities. They must also ensure compliance with policies and uphold ethical standards in information provision. Fill in the blank: The librarian’s responsibilities include managing staff, preparing budgets, and ______ activities. Pilot questions 1.1
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1. Which four functions define management in libraries? 2. What is the scope of management in libraries and information centres? 3. Identify two roles of a librarian in library management. 4. What powers enable librarians to allocate resources effectively? 5. List three responsibilities of a librarian in managing a library. 1.2 Principles and Functions of Management in Library Settings 1.2.1 Core principles of management Principles of management are fundamental guidelines that shape how managers organise and direct activities within an organisation. In libraries and information centres, these principles provide a framework for ensuring that services are delivered effectively and that resources are used wisely. Key principles include: • Division of labour, which means assigning specific tasks to individuals based on their skills to increase efficiency. • Authority and responsibility, which emphasises that managers must have the power to give instructions and the responsibility to ensure tasks are completed. • Unity of command, which ensures that each staff member reports to only one supervisor to avoid confusion. • Discipline, which requires adherence to rules and policies for smooth operations. • Equity, which stresses fairness and respect in dealing with staff and users. These principles are not rigid rules but flexible guidelines that help librarians adapt management practices to their unique environments. Fill in the blank: The principle of ______ ensures that each staff member reports to only one supervisor.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.2 Key functions of management in libraries Functions of management are the specific activities managers perform to achieve organisational goals. In libraries, these functions are closely tied to service delivery and resource management. The main functions include: • Planning, which involves setting objectives and determining the best course of action to achieve them. For example, planning may include deciding which books or digital resources to acquire. • Organising, which means arranging resources and tasks in a structured way. This could involve assigning staff to different service points or departments.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Directing, which refers to guiding and motivating staff to perform their duties effectively. • Controlling, which involves monitoring activities to ensure they align with plans and making adjustments where necessary. Together, these functions create a cycle of continuous improvement, ensuring that libraries remain responsive to user needs and changing information landscapes. Fill in the blank: The function of ______ involves monitoring activities to ensure they align with plans. Pilot questions 1.2 1. What is meant by the principle of division of labour in library management? 2. Why is unity of command important in managing library staff?
This is the opening of the note. Read the full note or download the PDF to continue.