Personnel Planning for a Library Manpower System

HOW is personnel planning approached in a library manpower system?What conceptual framework can be utilized to develop a manpower system within an individual library?A search of library literature uncovers only isolated instances of attempts to deal with personnel planning; relevant suggestions for effective library personnel planning have therefore been sought from the research literature of business and industry.The intent of this paper is to review the most typical, pertinent and significant research which indicates the directions being taken in personnel utilization.No attempt is made to provide a "how-to-do-it" recipe; the aim is to provide an overview of the major aspects of personnel planning.The other papers in this issue discuss various aspects of personnel planning, management and development in more detail.Personnel planning is concerned with the management of human resources.It is explicit planning; it is planning with such clarity and distinctness that all the elements in a library manpower system are apparent.Since it is planning for human resources, it must place particular emphasis on assisting each individual, according to his background, to achieve his career values, desires, and expectations.Since it is planning for the use of human resources for effective organizational operation, personnel planning must include a statement of what kinds of qualities are desired, at what places, and at what times.It is planning which includes all personnel within the system.