ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
(Department Library & Information Sciences)
WARNING
1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING THE
ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD OF
DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM OTHER(S) AS
ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN “AIOU PLAGIARISM
POLICY”.
Course: Management Basics for Information Professionals (9218)
Level: BS-LIS Semester: Spring, 2025
Name
Shelha Mukhatir
Roll no
Cb459048
Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50
ASSIGNMENT NO. 1
(Units: 1-5)
Q1. Describe what are the key functions, roles, and skills of managers in a big
Pakistani university library. (20)
Q2. Define planning and planning process. What are the key steps in strategic
planning? How does strategic planning help library managers improve library
services in a big public library? (20)
Q3. Define and explain centralization and decentralization. What is the role of
centralization and decentralization in organization decision-making? (20)
Q4. Define change from a university library perspective. How can the change
process model be implemented in the university library context? (20)
Q5. Write notes on each of the following: (20)
i. Challenges to creating a marketing program
ii. Barriers to effective communication in a university library
I’ll provide detailed answers to each question.
*Q1. Key functions, roles, and skills of managers in a big Pakistani
university library:*
*Key functions:*
1. *Planning*: Developing strategic plans and goals for the library.
2. *Organizing*: Managing resources, including personnel,
collections, and facilities.
3. *Leading*: Providing leadership and direction to library staff.
4. *Controlling*: Monitoring and evaluating library services and
operations.
*Roles:*
1. *Strategic leader*: Providing vision and direction for the library.
2. *Change agent*: Implementing changes and innovations to
improve library services.
3. *Communication facilitator*: Facilitating communication
between library staff, users, and stakeholders.
*Skills:*
1. *Leadership and management*: Ability to lead and manage
library staff and operations.
2. *Communication and interpersonal skills*: Ability to
communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
3. *Strategic thinking*: Ability to think strategically and develop
plans for the library.
4. *Problem-solving and analytical skills*: Ability to analyze
problems and develop solutions.
*Q2. Planning and planning process:*
*Planning:* Planning is the process of defining goals, objectives,
and strategies for achieving them.
*Planning process:*
1. *Environmental analysis*: Analyzing internal and external
factors that impact the library.
2. *Goal setting*: Defining goals and objectives for the library.
3. *Strategy development*: Developing strategies to achieve
library goals.
4. *Implementation and evaluation*: Implementing plans and
evaluating their effectiveness.
*Strategic planning:*
1. *SWOT analysis*: Analyzing strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats to the library.
2. *Goal setting*: Defining strategic goals and objectives for the
library.
3. *Strategy development*: Developing strategies to achieve
library goals.
*Benefits for library managers:*
1. *Improved decision-making*: Strategic planning enables library
managers to make informed decisions.
2. *Increased effectiveness*: Strategic planning helps library
managers to prioritize resources and efforts.
3. *Enhanced accountability*: Strategic planning promotes
accountability and evaluation of library services.
*Q3. Centralization and decentralization:*
*Centralization:* Centralization refers to the concentration of
decision-making authority and control in a single location or entity.
*Decentralization:* Decentralization refers to the distribution of
decision-making authority and control to multiple locations or
entities.
*Role in organizational decision-making:*
1. *Centralization*: Centralization can promote consistency and
efficiency in decision-making.
2. *Decentralization*: Decentralization can promote flexibility and
responsiveness to local needs.
*Q4. Change from a university library perspective:*
*Change:* Change refers to the process of implementing new
initiatives, technologies, or strategies in a university library.
*Change process model:*
1. *Unfreezing*: Preparing library staff for change.
2. *Change*: Implementing the change.
3. *Refreezing*: Ensuring that the change is sustained and
becomes part of the library's culture.
*Implementation in university library context:*
1. *Communication*: Communicating the need for change and
involving library staff in the process.
2. *Training and support*: Providing training and support to
library staff to facilitate the change.
3. *Evaluation and feedback*: Evaluating the effectiveness of the
change and soliciting feedback from library staff and users.
*Q5. Notes:*
i. *Challenges to creating a marketing program:*
- Limited resources and budget
- Difficulty in reaching target audiences
- Measuring the effectiveness of marketing efforts
ii. *Barriers to effective communication in a university
library:*
- Language barriers
- Cultural differences
- Technological issues
- Physical barriers, such as noise or layout.
