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On 40 years of queuing in libraries

On 40 years of queuing in libraries Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect 40 years of queuing theory in application to library modelling and management. It suggests that these models have not had the impact that the early queuing models promised and suggests some reasons as to why. Design/methodology/approach – The paper gives a brief exposition of queuing theory as a branch of operations research (OR) and describes three snapshots of library queuing models published in the literature. Each snapshot describes a different approach to library modelling using queues and illustrates some of the problems associated with applying queuing theory. Suggestions from the literature regarding the nature of the modeller/practitioner interaction are described and linked to queuing models. Findings – The mathematical nature of queuing models highlights the difficulties in linking modelling theory to library practice. The paper suggests that there is an urgent need to find ways to bridge the practitioner/researcher gap, broaden the application base of OR methodology within libraries, engage in constructive debate around library OR to build a consensus view as to the value of OR interventions, and identify directions for future collaborative work in libraries. Otherwise, we seem destined to continue applying OR models as a matter of faith rather than as a proven paradigm for rational analysis in libraries. Originality/value – There have been some notable successes in the application of queuing theory and other OR techniques to modelling library systems over the last 40 years. However, the nature of the intersection of OR modelling and library operations has evolved over the years and modelling projects that add real value to library operations now seem to be more rarely reported. The emerging modeller/practitioner nexus requires further consideration if library OR is to develop. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Library Review Emerald Publishing

On 40 years of queuing in libraries

Library Review , Volume 58 (1): 12 – Feb 6, 2009

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References (30)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2009 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0024-2535
DOI
10.1108/00242530910928924
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect 40 years of queuing theory in application to library modelling and management. It suggests that these models have not had the impact that the early queuing models promised and suggests some reasons as to why. Design/methodology/approach – The paper gives a brief exposition of queuing theory as a branch of operations research (OR) and describes three snapshots of library queuing models published in the literature. Each snapshot describes a different approach to library modelling using queues and illustrates some of the problems associated with applying queuing theory. Suggestions from the literature regarding the nature of the modeller/practitioner interaction are described and linked to queuing models. Findings – The mathematical nature of queuing models highlights the difficulties in linking modelling theory to library practice. The paper suggests that there is an urgent need to find ways to bridge the practitioner/researcher gap, broaden the application base of OR methodology within libraries, engage in constructive debate around library OR to build a consensus view as to the value of OR interventions, and identify directions for future collaborative work in libraries. Otherwise, we seem destined to continue applying OR models as a matter of faith rather than as a proven paradigm for rational analysis in libraries. Originality/value – There have been some notable successes in the application of queuing theory and other OR techniques to modelling library systems over the last 40 years. However, the nature of the intersection of OR modelling and library operations has evolved over the years and modelling projects that add real value to library operations now seem to be more rarely reported. The emerging modeller/practitioner nexus requires further consideration if library OR is to develop.

Journal

Library ReviewEmerald Publishing

Published: Feb 6, 2009

Keywords: Academic libraries; Operational research; Queuing theory

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