Date of Graduation

1993

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This study examined four types of coordination between external degree programs and off-campus library services as perceived by external degree program administrators. To examine these perceptions, a Library Assessment Survey was designed to assess coordination and administrator satisfaction relating to three of the four types of coordination examined. The survey, which was sent to 104 institutions, was also designed to indicate loose or tight organizational coupling with regard to the types of coordination. Results. Administrators from 68 institutions in 27 states responded to the survey. Data indicated that the administrators perceived: a moderate frequency of discussion with librarians; no formal responsibility for library services or resources; a moderate extent of centralization of influence over decisions about library services or resources; a moderate extent of match between their program missions and the manner in which library support was provided; little proficiency in their own use of off-campus library services; little knowledge about the types of off-campus library services used at other institutions; and, that library resources were highly valuable to their students. Data about administrator satisfaction were also reported, including that which indicated an overall moderate satisfaction rating for library support. Conclusions. Among the study's conclusions were that external degree program administrators were satisficing (March & Simon, 1958) with regard to being highly satisfied with moderate levels of consistency between their program missions and the manner in which library support was provided for their programs. Data about the administrators' skills, knowledge, and values relating to off-campus library services reflected what Weick (1976) described as loose coupling between intentions and actions often found in educational institutions.

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