1) A number of library activities are already outsourced in particular copy cataloguing, processing, acquisitions, subscriptions, document delivery and information sources. Books supplied shelf ready from our main supplier (Peter Pal) is already barcoded, stamped, wrapped and security tagged. The library's customer contact number is diverted to a call centre who will usually attend to simple tasks such as renewing, requesting and general library queries. Unless the question is a complicated one, then it gets passed directly to a libary. Although outsourcing is a necessity in some areas, it can also create a vulnerability that leads to downsizing. Downsizing may occur when management does not fill positions when they become vacant, offering early retirement or voluntary resignations or an organization’s new vision of the future. It can spell the scarcity of library services as we know it now, specifically with regard to information services. Therefore library managers must show how downsizing will affect the users and make the higher-ups aware of the issue. There will be a need to realign information services, consolidate units, form new partnerships and alliances.
2. I can see outsourcing continuing in the future, especially the processing tasks that can be done easily off site. I appreciate the economic benefits and if a job can be done cheaper elsewhere,I think it is a valid opportunity. Staff can probably allocate more time in user education and other library services. Restrictions of a libraries physical space could also lead to some storage and processing being outsourced. Although information management professional are expected to be IT savvy these days, not everyone (especially the digital dinosaurs) is capable, therefore it is a good idea to have IT services outsourced too (some already are!). The challenge is as Haythornthwaite, J. (1997)says 'Information Managers must ensure they retain a central controlling role'.
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