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The purpose of this book is to identify and describe the most important
factors that must be considered in making decisions about the optimal ways
to provide access to information – in short the best way to use the
humans, the machines, and the intangible resources known as information,
particularly at the organizational level.
In recent years executives have begun to outsource computing and
telecommunications functions primarily to control costs. Traditional
libraries and information centres have been disbanded in favour of service
contracts or outright leasing of staff. Both the private and public sector
are examining their information service operations from the point of view
of cost effectiveness. Decisions about owning versus leasing of
information are being made daily. Decision makers are finding that they
must deal differently with funding and budgeting of information systems
and libraries than they have in the past. New paradigms for these service
functions already exist. Not only have corporations and governments begun
to contract out entire information service operations, but libraries
themselves have begun to consider the costs, effectiveness, and
implications of outsourcing some of their operations and services.
This book provides a framework for decision-makers to view and review
information services within their organizations. Entire units, components
of libraries and information centres are defined and untangled so that the
widest variety of organizations can analyse their own environments.
Although there is a minimal use of library and computing jargon, a short
glossary at the end explains terms for which there is no simple English
language substitute. Each chapter is accompanied by comments from a broad
range of experts in the information field.
Reviews
‘This was an interesting book to read ... a valuable resource of
ideas.’ Library Review
‘The book offers a solid foundation of deciding factors and their
implications ... there’s something here for everyone.’ Marketing
Treasures, USA
‘... a useful, provocative text ... recommended for larger, academic,
public, library school, and special library collections.’ The Journal of
Academic Librarianship
Contents
Introduction; In-house information functions; Information Workers;
Resources, services, and delivery: A – information resources, B –
services and delivery; Information technologies; Shared or cooperative
routes; Costs and charging strategies; Shaping core information services
in future; Information about contributors; Bibliography; Glossary; Index.
£56.00 / US$99.95 ISBN: 1 85742 018 7 1993 224 pages
Hardback
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- United Kingdom
