Using Consultants in Libraries and Information Centers: A Management Handbook

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This handbook offers a comprehensive discussion of the consultant/library relationship. It includes chapters written by full-time professional library consultants, information specialists and library administrators who have had extensive experience in using consultants to solve a range of problems in information service. Parts 1 and 2 address the need to provide a solid foundation, based on an understanding of what the consultant will do, before arriving on the scene. Practical advice is offered by the contributors which should allow for the library or information centre staff to more fully accept the activity of the consultant. A common thread woven throughout the chapters is the need for strong communication. Part 3 offers views on the roles that consultants may play in the negotiation process, the development of proposals, and in the evaluation of large-scale information systems. Specialty areas of consultancy are discussed in Part 4, while Part 5 explores the more vexing dilemmas associated with the consulting process. Parts 6 and 7 provide insights into the future use of consultants and explores alternatives to the use of the traditional external consultant. A bibliographic essay and comprehensive index complete the volume. New library administrators should find this book of value as they seek to understand the value of using consultants and in establishing effective working relationships with them. Middle management library administrators should find the book of interest as they seek to appreciate the range of specialities that consultants now offer. In addition, library and information science students, as well as consultants themselves, should find the book of practical value.

Reviews

It should be clear by now that this is an interesting, infomative and challenging book. If there is any likihood that your organisation will use consultants, or will provide consultancy services, then read this book - or better, buy it, read it, and keep it near your desk for reference.-Journal of Documentation
This book is a useful guide to the consulting experience. Garten has done the profession a major favor by putting together this group of essays. With a list of contributors that reads like a Who's Who'' of experienced library and information services managers, Using Consultants is a major contender for the required reading'' shelf of any one-person library manager. . . . Finally, for the one-person library manager who is herself serving as the organization's in-house consultant in information matters (a role frequently and seriously urged by OPL's editors), Using Consultants can offer vital direction in defining the role of the consultant. Thus, whether the reader is looking for advice about choosing and using an external consultant, or whether she is seeking guidance in doing her own job well and making the best contribution she can to her organization, the book which Garten and his colleagues have put forth can serve as an essential text for the job.-The One-Person Library
Using Consultants in Libraries and Information Centers, edited by Edward D. Garten, is a collection of 28 essays that will help libraries use consultants. While written for the library administrator, this book will be useful for the aspiring consultant as well.-AMERICAN LIBRARIES
"It should be clear by now that this is an interesting, infomative and challenging book. If there is any likihood that your organisation will use consultants, or will provide consultancy services, then read this book - or better, buy it, read it, and keep it near your desk for reference."-Journal of Documentation
"Using Consultants in Libraries and Information Centers, edited by Edward D. Garten, is a collection of 28 essays that will help libraries use consultants. While written for the library administrator, this book will be useful for the aspiring consultant as well."-AMERICAN LIBRARIES
"This book is a useful guide to the consulting experience. Garten has done the profession a major favor by putting together this group of essays. With a list of contributors that reads like a Who's Who'' of experienced library and information services managers, Using Consultants is a major contender for the required reading'' shelf of any one-person library manager. . . . Finally, for the one-person library manager who is herself serving as the organization's in-house consultant in information matters (a role frequently and seriously urged by OPL's editors), Using Consultants can offer vital direction in defining the role of the consultant. Thus, whether the reader is looking for advice about choosing and using an external consultant, or whether she is seeking guidance in doing her own job well and making the best contribution she can to her organization, the book which Garten and his colleagues have put forth can serve as an essential text for the job."-The One-Person Library

Author Bio

EDWARD D. GARTEN has been Director of University Libraries at the University of Dayton since 1985. He is a consultant specialist in organizational development and personnel issues. He has extensive experience as a Consultant-Evaluator with both the North Central Association and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over his career he has served in numerous leadership positions with the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science, and the American Society for Personnel Administration. He has published and edited works in library and information science and higher education.