Outsourcing Library Technical Services: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians)

Hirshon, Arnold, Winters, Barbara

ISBN 10: 155570221X / ISBN 13: 9781555702212

Published by Neal Schuman Pub, 1996

About this Item

Very Good. Dust Jacket may NOT BE INCLUDED.CDs may be missing. SHIPS FROM MULTIPLE LOCATIONS.

Seller Inventory # ERICA829155570221X3

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Outsourcing Library Technical Services: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians)
• Publisher: Neal Schuman Pub
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 155570221X
• ISBN 13: 9781555702212
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Book Type: book

About this title

Synopsis

Outsourcing is a strategic way for libraries to maximize fiscal and human resources. Here is detailed, practical advice on reengineering 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 cataloging 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 vs. human resource needs, and contract management and compliance. Detailed appendixes include checklists for procuring book and journal vendor services, cataloging services, and other technical services.

Reviews

Addressing one of the most controversial topics in librarianship today, the authors, (in)famous for outsourcing technical services at Wright State University, have written a practical manual covering the entire process, from reengineering and cost studies through preparing an RFP (Request for Proposal), selecting a vendor, and coping with the effect of outsourcing on staff. The chapters include detailed information and sample RFPs for outsourcing of acquisitions and cataloging; the RFPs are also available in electronic form on a companion disk, Outsourcing Technical Services: Ready-To-Import RFP Specifications (Neal-Schuman, 1996). This book will likely add fuel to the outsourcing fire; for example, statements such as "once [national standards and local cataloging practices] are defined, the generation of the actual component records becomes a matter of production according to specifications, not one of design" are likely to offend many catalogers. Nevertheless, if one accepts the authors' premise that "creative use of outsourcing is essential to the proper running of libraries," one will find this book a useful guide to managing outsourcing effectively. Recommended for library administrators and technical services staff.?Janet Crum, Oregon Health Sciences Univ. Lib., Portland
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.