College and Research Libraries 366 I CoUege & Research Libraries • july 1980 would profit from even the simplest ideas. Knowledge of good management principles cannot be considered a given. We may have good ideas as concerns the big picture, but flounder a bit when it comes down to the little nitty-gritty details; and that is where a great many of the author's suggestions are directed. She begins by laying the groundwork for and pointing out the benefits of cost stud- ies, and then proceeds to work her way from the director to the page and through the various departments with numerous suggestions in every area. She gives con- crete, specific ideas with examples, charts, forms, and step-by-step procedures. But don't be misled: Eleanor Brown is mostly concerned with efficient working methods and proper assignment of duties that are cost-effectiveness measures. This is proper management, but does not result in making more dollars available or provide cuts in the budget where needed, unless staff can be reduced or replaced by some means. There are suggestions for obtaining addi- tional revenue ranging from federal funds to having sales. She also suggests throughout the book the possibility of charging fees for a variety of services. This will most certain- ly raise some hackles among readers who should keep in mind that the suggestions are free to be accepted or declined and are offered in that spirit. She does have a tendency to state many of her ideas in a very positive, assertive manner, but options can be found once one begins thinking constructively about the problems. Her how-to approach can provide insights into savings that many may have overlooked in their search. H one can keep an open mind, overlook some obvious biases, then this volume can be useful-mostly to small and medium-size libraries, less so to large--and, even though the suggestions are basically directed at public libraries, I believe academics can make use of a variety of them. It has a little of something for everyone.-]. Wayne Bak- er, Ohio Northern University, Ada. DeHarl, Florence E. The Librarian's PsycholQgical Commitments: Human Rela- tions in Librarianship. Contributions in Librarianship and Information Science, Number 27. Westport, Conn.: Green- wood Pr., 1979. 208p. $18.95. LC 79- 7059. ISBN 0-313-21329-1. This small volume presents a number of complex issues as they relate to human rela- tions in library environments, including in- trapersonal and interpersonal communica- tion, working relationships, transactional analysis, role expectations and strain, group norms and dynamics, sources of power, assertive and aggressive behavior, and be- havioral integrity. The purpose of the book is to present a "conceptual framework for applying behavioral skills in librarianship.,. Unfortunately, the presentation is not en- tirely successful and at times is, indeed, confusing. Part of the difficulty lies in the fact that the author has included many different psychological concepts and ideas without adequate discussion and explanation. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with communication and psychological theories. For instance, the author includes references to transactional analysis and its implications for analyzing working relationships though there is never adequate explanation of the basic premise of transactional analysis. This superficial treatment of complex concepts involving human relations may lead the reader to believe that indeed the concepts, and therefore the relationships, are simple to understand and interpret. The other difficulty with the book is, that in the context of the presentation of the psychological and behavioral material, the author includes brief scenarios complete with dialogue. This format contributes to confusion as the reader shifts from a discus- sion of principles and concepts to one brief scenario after another without evaluation of the situations by the author in order to clarify the concept contained within the example. The book is organized into three sections: (1) inputs to commitment development: understanding; (2) psychological commit- ments to oneself, staff, and clients: atti- tudes; and (3) carrying out psychological commitments: skills. The organization of the sections and their respective chapters is in- tended to provide a sequence that progres- ses from an understanding of human be- havior to an exploration of attitudes and,. finally, the development of skills. The pro- gression, though, is not always clear, and in general there appears to be a great deal of overlap and similarity between the material in each section. The author has included extensive refer- ences to sources in communication and psychology in the footnotes of each chapter as well as in a section of suggested reading at the end of the book. These sources will be useful to anyone who wishes to pursue more thoroughly the topics presented. Since the concepts that have been raised in this book are ones with which people in a service profession should be familiar, the book serves as a useful focus. The author also does not avoid addressing sensitive issues as she examines typical hu- man relations situations that are encoun- tered in a working environment, particulary libraries. She also places considerable stress on the need for librarians to develop self- respect and a liking for "self' in order to be able to serve others. In addition, she indi- cates that it is important for librarians to de- velop assertive (not aggressive) behavior in Recent Publications I 367 order to better deal with working rela- tionships, particularly the disturbing be- havior of others. Those reading this small book may not ar- rive at a sound understanding of human re- lations or a "conceptual framework" for be- havior, but they won't escape the realization that in order to build more effective rela- tionships a greater understanding of human behavior and a commitment to improving relationships are necessary.-Sheila Creth, University of Connecticut, Storrs. Bloss, Meredith. Conversations on Librar- ies. LJ Special Report #12. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1979. 88p. $5; cash with order, $3.95. ISBN 0-8352-1263-7. ISSN 0362-448X. Do you have some ideas on what you think libraries and information services ought to be like by the end of this century? You may recall recent questionnaires seek- ing similar ideas from college and university librarians. Stack up your ideas against what two dozen believe, individuals who provide or use the services. Bloss, as a roving EXPERT SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE ... Faxon wrote the book. At Faxon our experienced subscription professionals never lose sight of the complicated responsibility of maintaining an extensive serials department. We combine up-to-date computer technology with the personalized attention of our many service representatives. Faxon is dedicated to bring- ing librarians fast, accurate, and up-to-the-minute informa- tion to manage their serials departments. Write or call to- day for our LIBRARIANS' GUIDE and SERVICE BROCHURE. Read the book that Faxon wrote. Library business is our only business- since 1881 . (5ID F.W. FAXOn COmPAnY, IDC. Library Magazine Subscription Agency 15 Southwest Park, Westwood, Massachusetts 02090 Tel: 800-225-6055 (toll-free) 617-329·3350 (collect in Mass. and Canada only)