The organization of successful participative management in a health sciences library

The University of Washington Health Sciences Library, Seattle, and its participative management process are described in detail. The evolution of the management system is reviewed by interrelating the various phases of the library's growth, its service complexities, and its communication needs. Staff development results of this participative management mode are discussed. Reference is made to the use of group dynamics concepts. The current organizational design, which integrates the participative subunit with the simple line management structure, is considered effective by both the library staff and its director.