Management of Libraries and Information Centres

Topic 1: Introduction to Library Management

Meaning of Library Management

Library management refers to the process of planning, organising, directing, coordinating and controlling library resources and activities to achieve the objectives of a library or information centre.

It involves the effective use of human, financial, technological and information resources to provide quality services to library users.

Objectives of Library Management

To ensure the effective use of library resources.

To provide efficient information services to users.

To coordinate library staff and departmental activities.

To manage the library's financial and material resources.

To support teaching, learning and research.

To improve user satisfaction and service delivery.

Functions of Management: POSDCORB

P — Planning: Setting goals and determining how to achieve them.

O — Organising: Arranging library resources, responsibilities and activities.

S — Staffing: Recruiting, training and managing library personnel.

D — Directing: Guiding and supervising staff to achieve library objectives.

CO — Coordinating: Ensuring that different library departments work together effectively.

R — Reporting: Maintaining records and communicating library activities and performance.

B — Budgeting: Planning, allocating and monitoring library funds.

Practical Example

A university library planning to introduce a digital library service must determine its objectives, allocate funds, organise technological resources, train librarians, coordinate relevant departments and evaluate the service after implementation.

Revision Questions

What is library management?

State five objectives of library management.

Explain the meaning of POSDCORB.

Describe four functions of a library manager.

Why is management important in a university library?

Study tip: Understand each management function and be able to explain it using a practical library example.

Reference: National Open University of Nigeria, LIS 304: Management of Libraries & Information Centres, Module 1, Unit 1.