Library Science Library Administration and Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'ILS' (Integrated Library System)?
- A state-funded library support program
- Software that manages library operations including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and the OPAC (Correct answer)
- An interlibrary loan scheduling system
- An internet filtering system for libraries
Correct answer: Software that manages library operations including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and the OPAC
An Integrated Library System (ILS) is software that automates and integrates library functions including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials management, and the public catalog (OPAC).
Question 2: What does 'FTE' stand for in library staffing calculations?
- Full-Time Equivalent (Correct answer)
- Federal Training Expenditure
- Functional Task Evaluation
- Facilities and Technology Expenses
Correct answer: Full-Time Equivalent
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) is a unit that converts part-time positions into the equivalent of full-time positions for budgeting and staffing comparison purposes.
Question 3: Which principle of management involves giving employees authority over their work area matching their responsibility?
- Unity of command
- Delegation of authority (Correct answer)
- Span of control
- Division of labor
Correct answer: Delegation of authority
Delegation of authority means assigning both responsibility for a task and the authority needed to carry it out, ensuring employees can act effectively within their assigned areas.
Question 4: What is 'evidence-based library and information practice' (EBLIP)?
- Using only peer-reviewed sources in reference work
- Making professional decisions based on the best available research evidence combined with professional expertise (Correct answer)
- Documenting all library transactions for audit purposes
- Using statistical evidence to weed collections
Correct answer: Making professional decisions based on the best available research evidence combined with professional expertise
EBLIP is an approach to library management and practice that integrates the best available research evidence with professional judgment, local context, and user input to make decisions.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a library 'annual report'?
- To report financial losses to the IRS
- To communicate the library's achievements, statistics, and value to stakeholders and the public (Correct answer)
- To apply for library accreditation
- To document staff performance reviews
Correct answer: To communicate the library's achievements, statistics, and value to stakeholders and the public
A library annual report summarizes activities, statistics, accomplishments, and financial information for the past year, communicating the library's value and impact to its stakeholders and community.
Question 6: What is 'succession planning' in library administration?
- Planning the library's hours of operation
- Proactively identifying and developing staff to fill key leadership roles when they become vacant (Correct answer)
- Succession of library directors after retirement
- Planning for library branch expansion
Correct answer: Proactively identifying and developing staff to fill key leadership roles when they become vacant
Succession planning involves identifying future leadership needs and deliberately developing staff members who can assume those roles when positions become vacant through retirement or departure.
Library Science Library Administration and Management 2
What is an 'ILS' (Integrated Library System)?