Library Management Questions and Answers

Answer: D

A system is a set of interrelated components arranged in an order, working to a common goal through inputs, processes, outputs and feedback. So (i), (iii) and (iv) are basic characteristics. Statement (ii), that the components are independent and can stand alone, is the opposite of a system, since the parts depend on one another. The answer is (i), (iii) and (iv). Feedback is what allows a system to correct itself, as when a library changes a service after users complain.

Answer: B

The assertion is partly true: library and information centres are knowledge centres, and under knowledge management they take on a part of the work, but they are not the knowledge management centres of the organisation as a whole. The reason is false because libraries handle mainly explicit, recorded knowledge, and tacit knowledge sits in people's minds and experience. So (A) is partially true but (R) is false. A library can however convert tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, for example by recording expert advice.

Answer: D

The assertion is true: brainstorming is a training method that stimulates the generation of ideas, as members freely suggest ideas without criticism. The reason is false, since training methods do give the unskilled an opportunity to become skilled, which is their purpose. So (A) is true but (R) is false. Brainstorming is used in training sessions, for example to collect ideas for improving library services, and the assertion states its aim correctly.

Answer: C

The correct match is a-iv, b-iii, c-i, d-ii. The line-item budget does not suggest the future course, since it only lists items of expenditure. The formula budget does not permit variation, because amounts are fixed by a formula. PPBS needs detailed information on programmes and costs, and zero-based budgeting is time consuming, since every activity is justified afresh. This gives the code iv iii i ii, which is option (C).

Answer: A

The ISO 9000 standard denotes the consistent conformance of a product or service to a given set of standards or expectations, so the answer is A.

The ISO 9000 family sets out requirements for a quality management system, so that an organisation produces goods or services that meet the stated requirements every time.

Total customer satisfaction (B) is the goal of total quality management, but the standard itself is concerned with conformance. Stakeholders' issues (C) and a list of measuring techniques (D) are not what it denotes.

Answer: A

The stages of the product life cycle curve are introduction, growth, maturity and decline, so the answer is A.

A product, and by analogy a library service or a publication, enters the market in the introduction stage, sells faster in growth, levels out in maturity and then falls in decline.

'Profit' (B and C) and 'saturation' (D) are not names of the standard stages.

Answer: A

The physical and chemical treatment of materials to retard their further deterioration is conservation, so the answer is A.

In library preservation, conservation covers the treatment of the material itself, for example de-acidification or mending, in order to stop its decay, while preservation is the wider term that includes the care of the environment and handling.

Rescuing (B) means salvage after damage, prevention (C) means measures taken before damage occurs, and restoration (D) means returning an item as far as possible to its original state.

Answer: C

Both statements are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion, so the answer is C.

Books should be selected with care and judgement, because funds and shelf space are limited (A). A library should also acquire the important and latest book selection tools, such as bibliographies and reviews (R), as a help in choosing.

The second statement is true, but it is a separate requirement; it does not give the reason why selection has to be judicious. This is why option D, which makes it the explanation, is not the key.

Answer: D

The assertion is true and the reason is false, so the answer is D.

Total quality management makes the library organise its work and its ICT functions around the users' needs and continuous improvement, so the assertion holds.

The reason says that TQM is seen as a hindrance to library and information services, which is the opposite of the accepted view that it helps services to improve. So the reason is false, and options A and C are wrong.

Answer: A

The correct matching is evaluation with the means of improving operations and services, time management with the to-do list, standards with performance guidelines and preservation with reinforcing the spines of books, so the answer is a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i, option A.

Evaluation shows where operations and services can be improved. A to-do list is a tool of time management. Performance guidelines are standards against which work is judged, and strengthening the spines of books is a preservation measure.

The other codes interchange these pairs, for example giving standards to the to-do list.