Library management information systems in the client server environment: Proposed new model

Forces for change are rapidly pushing libraries to ask fundamental questions about their services, their clients, and their performance. To be more effective and efficient, librarians need to be prepared and to have better information. Setting up management systems is one of the tools available to help them manage libraries better, but the systematic application of MIS in the library environment is still rare. This paper addresses why we need to foster an environment or a culture of assessment, what are the components of the environment of assessment, and what are the attributes for a new model of local library MIS. It describes work done at the University of Waterloo library to develop an environment for better decision-making. The phases of this process are described and the initial MIS model is highlighted. Conclusions are derived from the Waterloo experience.