Page 14 - DLIS102_LIBRARY_AND_ITS_USERS

Unit 1: Changing Role of Libraries

Creation of Slack Resources Notes

In order to reduce exceptions, performance levels can be reduced, thus decreasing the information
load on the hierarchy. These additional slack resources, required to reduce information processing in
the hierarchy, represent an additional cost to the organization. The choice of this method clearly
depends on the alternative costs of other strategies.

Creation of Self-contained Tasks

Achieving a conceptual closure of tasks is another way of reducing information processing. In this
case, the task-performing unit has all the resources required to perform the task. This approach is
concerned with task (de-)composition and interaction between different organizational units, i.e.,
organizational and information interfaces.

Creation of Lateral Relations

In this case, lateral decision processes are established that cut across functional organizational units.
The aim is to apply a system of decision subsidiary, i.e. to move decision power to the process, instead
of moving information from the process into the hierarchy for decision-making.

Investment in Vertical Information Systems
Instead of processing information through the existing hierarchical channels, the organization can
establish vertical information systems. In this case, the information flow for a specific task (or set of
tasks) is routed in accordance to the applied business logic, rather than the hierarchical organization.
Following the lateral relations concept, it also becomes possible to employ an organizational form
that is different from the simple hierarchical information. The Matrix organization is aiming at
bringing together the functional and product departmental bases and achieving a balance in
information processing and decision making between the vertical (hierarchical) and the horizontal
(product or project) structure. The creation of a matrix organization can also be considered as
management’s response to a persistent or permanent demand for adaptation to environmental
dynamics, instead of the response to episodic demands.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
6. According to March and Simon, following a national economic framework, the transaction
cost associated with the information process is too high.
7. Jay Galbraith has identified five main organization design strategies within two categories
increased information processing capacity and reduced need for information processing.

1.5 Summary

• A library where access points and house keeping operations are computerized is called an
automated library. The graphic records are still print-on-paper publication.
• The access point as well as the graphic records are in electronic digital form when these elec-
tronic digital libraries are connected via various networks, particularly the INTERNET, this is
called virtual library.

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