Page 7 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes Explain the basic principles of management
Enumerate the function of administration department
Discuss the management theories

Introduction

This unit will introduce you to the concepts of Administration of library and management.
It will give you a clear understanding of the administrative functions, principles of management,
management theories, library authority and library committee.
1.1 Administration of Library

Library administration means managing the performance of the operations and other activities
of a library and then finally making important decisions. Administration can be defined as the
act or process of administering, especially the management of a government or large institution
in order to achieve the goals and objectives.

According to Theo Haimann, “Administration means overall determination of policies, setting
of major objectives, the identification of general purposes and lying down of broad programmes
and projects”. It refers to the activities of higher level. It lays down basic principles of the
enterprise. According to Newman, “Administration means guidance, leadership & control of
the efforts of the groups towards some common goals”.
Whereas, management involves conceiving, initiating and bringing together the various
elements; coordinating, actuating, integrating the diverse organizational components while
sustaining the viability of the organization towards some pre-determined goals. In other words,
it is an art of getting things done through and with the people in formally organized groups.
Management and administration may seem the same, but there are differences between the two.
Administration has to do with the setting up of objectives and crucial policies of every
organization. What is understood by management, however, is the act or function of putting
into practice the policies and plans decided upon by the administration.
Administration is a determinative function, while management is an executive function. It also
follows that administration makes the important decisions of an enterprise in its entirety,
whereas management makes the decisions within the confines of the framework, which is set up
by the administration.
Administration is the top level, whereas management is a middle level activity. If one were to
decide the status, or position of administration, one would find that it consists of owners who
invest the capital, and receive profits from an organization. Management consists of a group of
managerial persons, who leverage their specialist skills to fulfil the objectives of an organization.
Administrators are usually found in government, military, religious and educational
organizations. Management is used by business enterprises. The decisions of an administration
are shaped by public opinion, government policies, and social and religious factors, whereas
management decisions are shaped by the values, opinions and beliefs of the mangers.
In administration, the planning and organizing of functions are the key factors, whereas, so far
as management is concerned, it involves motivating and controlling functions. When it comes
to the type of abilities required by an administrator, one needs administrative qualities, rather
than technical qualities. In management, technical abilities and human relation management
abilities are crucial.

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