The planning function in the management of university libraries: Survey, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations

"The Planning Function in the Management of University Libraries ... " is a study of the application of long range or strategic planning theory to the management of university libraries in the U.S. and Canada. Its purpose is to identify those elements which appear to be the most significant in influencing the successful application of planning theory in academic library administration through an analysis of specific strategic planning efforts which have been undertaken by individual institutions.;The approach used includes a discussion of strategic or long range planning theory and definitions drawn from management literature; a review of the historical development of academic libraries in the U.S.; and a review of attempts to apply contemporary management theory to college and university libraries through the 1950's. The review includes a discussion of the dissatisfaction with traditional approaches to library management which emerged in the 1960's and the efforts to address these concerns which were undertaken in the 1970's.;This discussion is followed by an analysis of library long range planning documents received from thirty-four Association of Research Libraries university library members in response to a questionnaire on long range planning activities which was sent out in 1982/83. The analysis categorizes the major areas of concern identified in the planning documents, reviews trends in solutions recommended, and discusses methods of implementation and evaluation outlined.;The study concludes with a discussion of its findings, including the key role the Association of Research Libraries' Office of Management Studies has played in promoting the application of contemporary management theories, practices, and procedures in academic library administration; and recommendations for further research on the effectiveness of strategic planning in academic libraries.