Impact of Outsourcing Technical Services Operations in a Small Academic Library

Abstract

Outsourcing part or all of technical services in academic libraries is an emerging trend hotly debated in our profession. Although outsourcing may be more prevalent in the larger institutions, it has enough applications and implications to warrant study in a small institution. Current library literature suggests a rapidly growing interest in technical services outsourcing as a way to control costs and distribute labor. This case study will focus on determining the viable outsourcing options for three collections: standing orders, firm orders, and audio-tapes in a library serving the needs of an undergraduate public liberal arts institution. Reasons for exploring outsourcing included a reduction in paraprofessional staff, a restructuring of professional staff, and a desire to experiment with workflow.