Outsourcing The “O” Word.ppt

Outsourcing: The “O” Word Jenny Garcia, MLS, AHIP Health Sciences Reference Librarian University of Wyoming Libraries Handout “The Pros and Cons of Library Outsourcing: A Planning Aid for Librarians and Administrators” Compiled by: Karen WellsMedical LibraryExempla Lutheran Medical Center Myths and Truths About Library Services Karen’s handout was developed as part of the efforts of the Colorado Council of Medical Librarians Advocacy Committee to provide information for librarians who must promote the necessity of library services to administrators. Additional PowerPoint Slides, and brochures are available at:/resources/vital/index.html What is Outsourcing? Outsource: to procure (as some goods or services needed by a business or organization) under contract with an outside supplier ----Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Outsourcing Decisions Librarian directed Planned outsource that will: Improve efficiency Utilize skills/knowledge currently not available Administration directed Decision frequently made without input from librarian Crucial functions of the library usually are not understood by administration Value of Library Services as a whole are not understood by administration Decision is based on monetary priorities Types of Library Outsourcing That Improve Services Outsourcing of a specific function when the library itself does not have time or specific expertise. Utilization of librarians to provide library services within an organization previously without library services Types of Library Outsourcing That UsuallyDecrease Library Services Downsizing of a multi-library system into one library, usually off-site Provision of library services by another source, such as an independent information broker or fee based document delivery service (decreases services if considered a replacement for library services, increases if this is a new service) Administrative Considerations Let’s look more closely at the Pro’s and Con’s document Monetary Manageme