A model for budget allocation in multi-unit libraries

Arora, Anish; Klabjan, Diego

doi:10.1080/14649055.2002.10765879

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…In addition, database resources are a pure source of reliable information that significantly reduces space requirements and costs. Most institutes and research centers facilitate access to the database resources of renowned journals through annual subscriptions (Arora et al, 2013). Digital libraries are self-contained and used to manage organizations, but in the context of new technologies, they delay their behavior due to budgetary constraints (Li et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Budget harmonization and challenges: understanding the competence of professionals in the budget process for structural and policy reforms in public libraries

Rafi

Ahmad

Zheng

2020

PMM

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PurposeIn the past, the field of public libraries proved to be a neglected area of government in terms of allocating handsome budgets for adequate services and developing infrastructure. The aim of this research is (1) to understand the level of library professionals and associated challenges in the preparation and implementation of the budget in public libraries and (2) to analyze the annual grand and regular library budget allocated to public libraries.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature search was carried out from work published in the past – the quantitative study based on a structured research questionnaire followed by the five-point Likert scale. The primary data were collected by distributing printed questionnaires among the library professionals serving in the directorate of public libraries and its suboffices. The secondary data “Budget Grand” for seven years (2009–2015) and the regular budget for two years (2015–2016) were collected from seven public libraries, and data on the district population and literacy rate were obtained from the provincial bureau of statistics. The authors used the one-way ANOVA on primary data to determine the average difference between samples and descriptive statistics on secondary data.FindingsSurvey results show that budgeting is a useful tool for predicting the future, controlling resources and improving employee performance and departmental levels. The findings disclosed that the annual budget review includes guidelines for implementation without adequate discussion and guidance for overcoming challenges. In addition to increasing print and database resources, currency fluctuations, unfair resource allocation and budgeting processes proved to be a potential obstacle to the execution of the library budget. Moreover, library material usage and regular membership are decreasing compared to literacy rates in each district of the province. It also turned out that the limited resources in a library compared to the population and the insufficient budget for operation, maintenance and other library processes posed another challenge for the administration.Practical implicationsThe results, which are based on the primary data of experts and the secondary data on the library budget, can help the directorate of public libraries to push ahead with budgetary reforms and overcome challenges.Social implicationsThis article outlines some basic steps for librarians, publishers and sellers to cope with changes caused by currency fluctuations and falling budget pressures. Given the regional population, literacy gaps and the current state of libraries, the results could also cause the government to expand the public library network across the province.Originality/valueThe study builds upon the qualitative method using a questionnaire and on the secondary data for an in-depth understanding of the whole budgetary process. This comprehensive coverage of the budgeting process provides professionals with useful information in preparing a balanced budget for public libraries.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Budget harmonization and challenges: understanding the competence of professionals in the budget process for structural and policy reforms in public libraries

Rafi

Ahmad

Zheng

2020

PMM

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“…23 For instance, Carrigan argues that "only through use are benefits from investment in library collections realized." 24 This assertion is contrary to economic evidence, which demonstrates that several components of value are independent of use or only indirectly related to it.…”

Section: Lrts 51(4)mentioning

confidence: 99%

A Regression-based Approach to Library Fund Allocation

Walters¹

2007

Library Resources &Amp; Technical Services

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51(4) LRTS1 Subsequent studies have presented a wide range of fund allocation methods, including some of great sophistication. This paper reviews the literature on library fund allocation, then presents a systematic, statistically informed method of weighting and combining the variables in a fund allocation formula.The approach described here is most useful for identifying the relationships that underlie a set of previously established allocations-for revealing the formula that best matches the allocation levels set in previous years. It is therefore especially appropriate for institutions that already allocate funds based on historical precedent but without an explicit formula. Other libraries may find the method helpful as a means of evaluating and refining the formulas already in place. Specifically, the regression-based approach to library fund allocation can be used in at least three ways: to generate an allocation formula based on previous years' allocations (in those cases where funds have been allocated based on historical precedent without the use of a formula); to generate an allocation formula based on subjectively established allocations (in those cases where funds have not been allocated among departments); and to evaluate and refine the formulas already in use (in those cases where the current formulas are unsatisfactory or otherwise in need of modification).Rational, well-documented methods of fund allocation have several advantages over informal or ad hoc approaches. According to the Association of Research Libraries, allocation formulas and similar techniques promote transparency and the explicit recognition of underlying assumptions, encourage funding practices that are consistent with the library's goals and priorities, ensure that adequate fund monitoring mechanisms are in place, and help the library demonstrate to the university community how its funds are being spent.2 Fund allocation formulas also are likely to promote budgetary stability over time (i.e., to reduce the

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“…42 Their focus was the allocation of funds from a single journal budget among several interrelated units of an academic library. Their allocation method used a mathematical model based on citations data from the Thomson Scientific ISI database.…”

Section: Budgeting and Financial Interfacesmentioning

confidence: 99%