Small special libraries : an endangered species? : some management strategies for survival

Abstract

In an era where information is peddled and collected by everybody, the place of a special librarian in any organization is always perilous It dare not follow the traditional more passive role of collection-building only, but must grapple with timeous provision of information, without the advantage of vast resources and adequate staffing Things like cataloguing and classification and lending become less crucial where there is often a very small bookstock, and ingenious, cost-effective information provision become vital factors. In considering the problems of management the above considerations must be held in tension with those common to any service organization, namely, what types of service are required, how they can he continuously expanded or altered or transformed to ensure its relevance and continued survival, and what means and manpower will be required. Crucial too, is a flexible attitude, and an ability to follow new trends in information gathering, retrieval and dissemination, and seeing where they can be used to advantage. Tailoring services to the needs of the individual or to special groups, and especially to those who will be called upon to defend one's continued survival, are especially important. Topics to be dealt with are how to determine the type of service required, and the means, the money and manpower required to accomplish these goals.