Managing Outsourcing in Library and Information Services

Citation

Layzell Ward, P. (2005), "Managing Outsourcing in Library and Information Services", Library Review, Vol. 54 No. 8, pp. 496-497. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530510619237

This is 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. In this instance the focus is on outsourcing.

Outsourcing has existed in the LIS sector for a very long time. In the US the Library of Congress sold catalogue cards and as a very junior assistant I recall Harrods and Boots Library Services as providers of loan collections of recreational reading to special and public libraries. However the practice of outsourcing has become much more sensitive and complex as organizations have sought to contract out the provision of whole services in recent years. Outsourcing has its benefits but needs very careful consideration and planning. This is the text that will guide managers through the process of assessment, implementation and evaluation of an outsourced service.

The authors cover the topic in 12 chapters and provide a bibliography that has been drawn from a range of print and electronic resources in the English language.

In the introduction the background is outlined, terms are defined and presented with an overview of the issues that outsourcing raises, both the pros and cons. Chapter two reviews the content of an information audit based on the needs of the organization. It lists a series of questions to be asked and the arguments that can be used to convince the undecided manager. The tricky issue of reputation management is discussed.

The third chapter reviews the possible outcomes of the information audit and why a service could, or should not, be contracted out. Chapter four examines the issue of the ownership of information and its possible reuse. Having made a decision to buy in services Chapter five provides the reader with essential information about the management plan, selecting a provider, and the agreement which will be drawn between the two parties, including licensing and contracts. The next chapter covers what should be included in the agreement, and Chapter seven the elements of an agreement. A model is provided in Chapter eight together with sample statements covering the standards for the delivery of services. Keeping the agreement is covered next – the questions of monitoring, reporting, and what to do if problems occur. The interests of users are paramount and Chapter ten stresses the importance of the relationship between the service and its users. Chapter 11 covers the relationship with staff and the final chapter reviews communication strategies.

The content of the volume has been described in some detail to indicate the thoroughness with which the authors have covered the topic and its value to managers. They review the issues, the process and evaluation in a lucid style – and provide an index. This is a sound guide written by very experienced information and library managers. At £29.95 it is a good investment. Go buy at least one copy – one for your desk – and another for the staff library would be a good idea too.