1. Ludwig von Bertalanffy 1901-1972

2. Background Trained as a biologist
Held positions in Austria, Canada, the United States, and England
Extended research to psychology and biophysics
Theories later applied across disciplines

3. Systems Theory
A system is a “whole” composed of elements that interact with one another.
Open systems also interact with the larger environment via inputs and outputs.
Systems theory promotes a holistic view of reality.

4. Systems Theory and Management
Management: holism, humanism, synergy.
Library is an open system.
The pursuit of knowledge is dynamic and interactive.

5. Bibliography
Brauckmann, S. (1999). Ludwig von Bertalanffy ( ). International Society for the Systems Sciences. Accessed at
Hammond, D. (2005). Philosophical and ethical foundations of systems thinking. tripleC 3 (2). Accessed at C.at/index.php/tripleC/article/view/20/19
Mulej, M., et al. (2004). How to restore Bertalanffian systems thinking. Kybernetes 33 (1), Accessed at de=1&sid=3&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VNam e=PQD&TS= &clientId=3470
Stueart, R. D., and B. B. Moran. (2007). Library and Information Center Management. 7e Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.