Page 35 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes and though deep and bitter divergences are found in the very nature of the democratic use of
authority, if harmony is to be maintained within the library system a free discussion of views in
tune with democratic values must be facilitated.
Even at the level of users there should be a free and fair use of authority. Delegated authority is
the perfect system of authority. Even among users there can be two types of headers.
The autocratic leaders believe in dictating terms, destructive criticism and breeding hostility
and distrust. Whereas the democratic leaders on the other hand believe in giving encouragement
to others, offer constructive criticism and strengthen cordial relationships within the group. It
is, indeed, needless to say that autocratic leader creates an unhealthy social climate in the library
and becomes an obstacle to the enforcement of democratic norms.
A healthy social climate in a library can be forthcoming only if there exists among its members
mutual harmony and co-operation and academic work is allowed to be carried on in an authority
free atmosphere.

To conclude it can be said that the library is a system of individuals and relationships. The
library is a miniature social system that can prepare the young to shoulder responsibilities and
help them to step into their adult roles. This small unit called the library can initiate the young
effectively into the ways of a larger social system, the society.

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Caution The use of authority is not restricted to the staff alone.
Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
6. ………………authority is the perfect system of authority.
7. The library is a miniature ……………… system that can prepare the young to shoulder
responsibilities and help them to step into their adult roles.

2.4 Line and Staff Authority

In many organisation, managers are authority by dividing it into line authority and staff
authority. These authorities differ according to the kinds of power on which they are based.
Line Authority

The most fundamental authority within an organization reflects existing superior-subordinate
relationships. It consists of the right to make decisions and to give order concerning the production,
sales or finance related behaviour of subordinates.

In general, line authority pertains to matters directly involving management system production,
sales, finance etc., and as a result with the attainment of objectives.
People directly responsible for these areas within the organization are delegated line authority
to assist them in performing their obligatory activities.

Staff Authority

Staff authority consists of the right to advise or assist those who possess line authority as well as
other staff personnel. Staff authority enables those responsible for improving the effectiveness
of line personnel to perform their required tasks.

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