Outsourcing Library Technical Services

Outsourcing is a strategic way for libraries to maximize fiscal and human resources. This text provides detailed, practical advice on: re-engineering library operations; how to determine when outsourcing is appropriate; conduct cost studies to evaluate technical operations; prepare formal requests-for-proposals (RFPs) to outsource acquisitions cataloguing and other technical services; evaluate vendor responses and services; and monitor the quality of outsourced operations. The guide also explores the pros and cons of outsourcing versus human resource needs and contract management and compliance. Detailed appendices included checklists for procuring book and journal vendor services, cataloguing services and other techincal services.