Management information and the use of management information systems in library and information services

Abstract

The thesis examines the development of management information in libraries, and the feasibility of the development of Management Information Systems in libraries. Standards and performance measures, information needs of planning, and the organisational structure and culture are included in the literature review. The history of the concept of Decision Support Systems is outlined, and some examples of decision support being used in libraries are noted. The role of automated systems in producing data which can be manipulated and analysed to give improved management information is examined. A model of a library Management Information System is presented in the form of charts of source data, related performance measures and decision types. Case studies of the use and extent of management information in four New Zealand libraries are included. The study concludes that Management Information Systems can and should be introduced into libraries, but that they are likely to be based on performance and output measures and quantifiable objectives in the context of an organisational culture committed to the use of appropriate management information, rather than being solely dependent on the information derived from automated library systems.