Change and conflict in the academic library

Modeling Conflicts at Work: The Case of Elementary School Employees in Croatia

This paper aims to explore conflict as a process that includes antecedents, management strategy, and outcomes while examining the role of affective states in an elementary school working environment. After a theoretical overview and systematization of the conflict elements, a questionnaire was developed that satisfies internal reliability and construct validity. Conflicts at the workplace were modeled with Bayesian SEM, and the results point out the prominent role of affective states in conflicts. Findings confirmed that (1) affective states affect the conflict management strategy choice; (2) different conflict management strategies lead to different conflict consequences; and (3) different affective states lead to differently perceived conflict consequences/outcomes. In addition, we conclude that conflicts with dominantly positive and negative affective states behave structurally differently. The revealed role of affective states facilitates future intervention possibilities in education about conflict management strategies and control of emotions and affective states. Raising awareness about affective states’ role in the conflict might increase mutual un-understanding and contribute to a healthy school social environment as a safe space for learning, sharing ideas, and joint actions toward a common goal.

Convergence and professional identity in the academic library

This paper discusses the effects of operational convergence, and the subsequent growth of the hybrid library model, upon the professional selfidentity of academic library staff. The role of professionalism as a concept and motivational driver within contemporary academic librarianship is examined. Main themes of investigation include the extent of work assimilation between the traditional library and computing disciplines and between professional/para-professional staff groupings. Following a review of the literature, case study research involving Learning and Information Services (LIS) departments at four British universities was undertaken, including interview and focus group work with LIS staff from across the organizational structure. Predominant challenges to professional identity include employer (rather than professional) allegiance, the growing status of the para-professional and the growth of a generic skills base as recognized by para-professional sectors such as business, finance and media.

Flexibility in higher education hybrid libraries

Reports on a literature review of the issues surrounding the call for librarians to have greater flexibility in the skills they acquire and in the services they offer. Illustrates these issues with particular reference to the UK Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) Phase 3 (specifically the HyLiFe project (HYbrid LIbrary of the FuturE)) where flexibility was found to be central. Includes an analysis of the data on flexibility generated by practitioners who attended HyLiFe regional dissemination workshops in 2000 and the application of this data to produce a model which provides insight into the implications of flexibility for higher education libraries. The model is based on two axes, one (vertical) indicating speed of change from low to high and one (horizontal) indicating the level of flexibility in library and information services (LIS) from low to high. The model also identifies four core areas of learning for hybrid LIS providers, and there is a correlation between the speed of change and the demonstrable level of flexibility needed. Concludes that, as the pace and intensity of change accelerates, LIS structures and staff will have to show greater flexibility to serve a user population demanding flexibility.

Management and the management of information and library services 2000

Focuses on the year 2000, reviewing the periodical literature of information and library services management, and of the relevant literature from the field of management in general. Notes the themes of major conferences in the field of information and library services management, and of reference tools for library managers.