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do communication, delegation, training, and development contribute to effective human

resource management in library settings?

Answer:

Introduction

Staff management in libraries is a multidimensional domain that ensures the effective planning,

organization, and use of human resources for the delivery of information services. As libraries

evolve into dynamic learning environments, the role of library professionals has expanded to
include new competencies and responsibilities. Efficient staff management thus becomes

central to achieving the mission and goals of any library system. This lesson focuses on the key
parts of staff management in libraries, with special attention to Ranganathan’s staff formula,

job analysis, job deployment, and performance appraisal. It also examines the importance of
communication, delegation, training, and development in building a competent and motivated

workforce.

The Foundation: Ranganathan’s Staff Formula

One of the earliest and most scientific approaches to staff management in libraries was

developed by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, a pioneer of library science in India. His “Staff Formula”

offered a structured and quantitative method for determining staffing needs in libraries. Rather
than relying on intuition or rough estimates, Ranganathan proposed a technique grounded in

empirical analysis. He categorized library operations into distinct functional areas: book
selection, technical processing, circulation, reference services, and maintenance. Each location

was assessed in terms of workload, and staffing requirements were computed accordingly.

Ranganathan emphasized that every library task must be considered while assigning staff,

including administrative duties and user education. His formula distinguished between

professional, semi-professional, and non-professional roles, ensuring the appropriate level of
knowledge was applied to each task. Though developed decades ago, the staff formula remains

relevant, especially for resource planning in small and medium-sized libraries, and forms a
critical part of library science education.

Job Analysis: Understanding Roles and Responsibilities

Job analysis is a core function of staff management that involves systematically studying each
position in the library to determine its duties, responsibilities, necessary skills, outcomes, and

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