Using data from computerized circulation and cataloging systems for management decision making in public libraries

Gleeson, Michael E.; Ottensmann, John R.

doi:10.1002/(sici)1097-4571(199303)44:2<94::aid-asi4>3.0.co;2-z

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Some future directions for implementation were also suggested. Gleeson and Ottensmann (1993) contend that computers have made it possible to collect circulation data. Based on such empirical data of use management can make sound decisions for acquisition and material preparation budgets.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simulation model of the arrival, flow, and usage pattern of library resources by the patrons

2012

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine the advantages of developing a simulation model of the activities of a university library, in order to balance the available resources with demand for services. Meeting the demand is an essential part of managing a modern library. Inadequate levels of resources will result in excessive waiting times for the patrons. Design/methodology/approach -A simulation modeling approach is undertaken and the library activities of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are simulated. Simulation modeling is an invaluable tool to understand the resource usage patterns and making intelligent budgeting choices. In the epoch of severe budget cuts, available financial resources must be carefully allocated where there is a critical need. Such a simulation modeling of the critical operations of an academic library of a campus upward of 11,000 students is presented in this study.Findings -A simulation model of the arrivals, flow, and usage patterns of library resources by the patrons described in this research, determined that there were four critical resources: the number of reference librarians, the number of checkout assistants, the number of computers, and the number of electronic gadgets. This study illustrates the need for careful analysis of arrival of patrons, resource levels, and resource usage with the objective of developing a resource level decision strategy that will result in an optimal level of resource usage by patrons. Practical implications -With the application of simulation models, it is possible to determine the needs for the limited resources at the library and coordinate the availability of the resources with the needs. Originality/value -Research in the use of simulation models for the determination of the resource levels that are best suited for an anticipated level of patron arrivals in the libraries is limited at best. This research adds value by providing information to fill this dearth of literature. The results of the simulation provided in this study can be used to develop budget priorities and to validate those priorities.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simulation model of the arrival, flow, and usage pattern of library resources by the patrons

2012

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A Decision Support System for Acquisitions Budgeting in Public Libraries

Gleeson

Ottensmann

1994

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Public libraries are computerizing their activities and producing mountains of managerially useful data. Our decision support system organizes these data and brings them to bear in producing materials acquisition budgets. Acquisition of new materials costs public libraries in the United States over $850 million per year. The Monroe County (Indiana) Public Library allocated its 1992 acquisitions budget using the DSS and found the system “flexible, workable, and above all, extremely valuable.” The DSS has four modules: a database module that allows comparison across budget categories and inspection of trends in costs, circulation, acquisitions, stocks, turnover rates, and discards; a forecasting module that uses time series techniques to make cost and circulation forecasts; a budget-allocation module that produces a satisfactory allocation by iteratively solving a continuous knapsack problem; and a scenario-testing module that calculates future stock.

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Using data from computerized circulation and cataloging systems for management decision making in public libraries

Cited by 2 publications

References 19 publications

A simulation model of the arrival, flow, and usage pattern of library resources by the patrons

A simulation model of the arrival, flow, and usage pattern of library resources by the patrons

A Decision Support System for Acquisitions Budgeting in Public Libraries

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