Managing Outsourcing in Library and Information Services
Published on 15. October 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-85604-543-8 (ISBN)
Description
Information centres and libraries, irrespective of the sector, are typically viewed as overheads by their management, which is an extremely risky position for them to be in today. For survival and success, it is imperative to get senior management to shift its focus from your expenditure to the value of the information services you provide. This book will help to show how successful outsourcing can assist managers and staffing in providing the services users want. It shows that the very process of examining the effectiveness of each separate service element (when considering outsourcing as an option) has spin-off benefits for the information service. Illustrated by case studies and checklists, this new book looks at: * evaluating current operations; * deciding when information should be outsourced - results of the information audit; * the nature of outsourcing information services; * negotiating and formatting outsourcing agreements; * keeping outsourcing agreements on target; * keeping users happy with outsourced services; * communication strategies. Readership: The outsourcing debate remains highly relevant to information services and library managers.
Tackling it successfully will not only ensure that your service is perceived as a strategic asset but will also enhance its client-centred approach.
Tackling it successfully will not only ensure that your service is perceived as a strategic asset but will also enhance its client-centred approach.
Reviews / Votes
"...highly recommended for library and information providers across the whole range of the profession. It provides an excellent and easy-to-read coverage of the subject with good practical advice." -- Collection Building "... another excellent title from Facet Publishing which provides a succinct and clear guide to a subject on which managers need to be very well-informed." -- Library ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-85604-543-8 (9781856045438)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP manages an independent information services consultancy and electronic publishing business, including websites. She has had a long and varied career in information management in a range of industry sectors, and also in government as Head of Information Services for the Health and Safety Executive. She specializes in worldwide occupational health and safety information and is an experienced trainer, writer, editor and lecturer. Peter Griffiths BA FCLIP MCLIP is Head of Information Services Unit at the Home Office, where he is Head of Profession for librarians and information scientists. His responsibilities extend not only to library and information services in the Home Office but also to an internal reference service, knowledge management, and information support to the research community. He is an experienced trainer, writer and lecturer.
Content
1. LIS outsourcing: an introduction 2. Be brutal: the information audit 3. When to outsource: using the results of the information audit 4. Information ownership and using an information service provider 5. How to outsource 6. What to include in your outsourcing agreement 7. Elements of the outsourcing agreement 8. What the outsourcing agreement should look like 9. Keeping the agreement on target 10. Keeping your users happy with the outsourced service 11. Keeping staff happy with the outsourced service 12. Communication strategies.