Page 2 - management

Management

1. Write Short notes on:

1. Library Housekeeping

Library housekeeping refers to the day-to-day routine operations that ensure the
library functions smoothly and remains user-friendly. It includes activities such as

shelving returned books, organizing materials according to classification systems,

maintaining cleanliness and order in reading and stack areas, repairing damaged
books, and checking equipment like computers and printers. Regular stock

verification, shelf reading, and pest control are also part of housekeeping. The goal
is to enhance accessibility, reduce material damage or loss, and create a conducive

environment for reading and research. Efficient housekeeping reflects a well-
managed library, directly affecting user satisfaction. Staff involved in housekeeping

must be trained to handle documents with care, follow cataloging conventions, and

utilize library management software for circulation and inventory management. In
digital libraries, housekeeping includes data backups, software updates, and server

maintenance. While often unnoticed by users, these backend functions form the
backbone of effective library service delivery.

2. Staff Formula by Ranganathan

S.R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science in India, developed a scientific
“Staff Formula” to determine staffing needs in libraries based on function rather

than size alone. His formula classifies library work into five central departments:

Book Selection, Technical Processing, Circulation, Reference Service, and
Maintenance. For each department, he identified roles and sub-functions, providing

calculations for the workforce based on variables such as the number of books
processed or issued per day. The staff formula also differentiates between

professional, semi-professional, and clerical posts. This method ensures a fair
distribution of work and helps in optimizing human resource allocation based on

actual workload. Ranganathan’s formula was pioneering because it applied

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