Evaluating Serial Control Systems of University Libraries: A System Approach

The importance of "serials" in reserach needs no imphasis or introduction. The complexities involved in the process of serial administration are not familiar and require extensive indepth study. One finds a totally different picture of what apparently is easy and routine work. Even with computerization of the libraries, the intensity of the tension in this section has not been reduced, especially in developing countries like ours, but for few exceptions. For a successful application of computers in serial control system, a sound base, a formidable and efficient administrative structure is essential to control the serials - matters. This realization has not yet gained weightage in reality. The serial units of most of the university libraries suffer from neglect and the basic issues emain unattended. This book is the outcome of this realization and is based on the on site evaluation on some serial units of the university libraries during late 1980s. As the pattern of administration of university libraries in India are more or less identical, the characteristics identified in this study may be common to most of the university libraries in India, except for a few libraries. The prime concern of this work were addressed to two basic issues - (i) the management of human resources, and (ii) the management of fiscal resources in the seials - unit. the importance of this study lies in the analysis method (system analysis) used for examination and evaluation of the serial unit. The serial - Unit section has been treated as a viable system which works under a "hegher" and a "supra" system, in a very interactive environment. This work will serve as guideline for evaluation of serials unit and help in overcoming the difficulties and to transform it into an efficient and effective system.