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Libraries as bureaucracies: the viewpoints of librarians

Libraries as bureaucracies: the viewpoints of librarians Bureaucracy is usually associated with the negative consequences of large organisations such as “red tapeism”, unexplained delays, and general frustration. Max Weber assumed that the bureaucratic structure would always be the most effective approach. This study focused on how heads of libraries and practising librarians in selected libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria view bureaucracy within libraries using information obtained by means of a questionnaire and personal observation. It describes their views on the topic. The article concludes by calling on heads of libraries to begin to think more positively, at least with a view to creating a working environment that will de‐emphasise the strict compliance with bureaucratic values, particularly in Nigerian academic libraries. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Library Management Emerald Publishing

Libraries as bureaucracies: the viewpoints of librarians

Richard Olorunsola
Library Management , Volume 21 (1): 7 – Feb 1, 2000
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7 pages

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2000 MCB UP Ltd. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0143-5124
DOI
10.1108/01435120010305627
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Bureaucracy is usually associated with the negative consequences of large organisations such as “red tapeism”, unexplained delays, and general frustration. Max Weber assumed that the bureaucratic structure would always be the most effective approach. This study focused on how heads of libraries and practising librarians in selected libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria view bureaucracy within libraries using information obtained by means of a questionnaire and personal observation. It describes their views on the topic. The article concludes by calling on heads of libraries to begin to think more positively, at least with a view to creating a working environment that will de‐emphasise the strict compliance with bureaucratic values, particularly in Nigerian academic libraries.

Journal

Library Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: Feb 1, 2000

Keywords: Libraries; Bureaucracy; Nigeria; Organizational strategies

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