Using Consultants in Libraries and Information Centers: A Management Handbook

by Edward D. Garten

Overview

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 or problems in information service. Parts I and II 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 center staff to more fully accept the activity of the consultant. A common thread woven throughout the chapters is the need for strong communication. Part III 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 IV, while Part V explores the more vexing dilemmas associated with the consulting process. Parts VI and VII 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 will 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 will 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, will find the book of practical value.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313278785
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/13/1992
Series:	Libraries Unlimited Library Management Collection
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Establishing a Basis for the Use of a Consultant
Basic Guidelines for Selecting and Working with a Consultant by Frances O. Painter
When to Call in a Consultant and How to Choose the Right One by David Batty
Seeking Consensus for the Employment of a Consultant by Mary Marshall
What Makes a Consultant a Consultant? by David C. Genaway
Budgetary Aspects of Using Consultants: The View from Under the Green Eye Shade by Carol Wasserman Diener
Helping to Ensure a Successful Consultative Experience
Laying the Groundwork: How the Library Can Help the Consultant Succeed by David M. Henington
Thinking Through the Process Before Your Consultant Arrives on the Scene by Elaine Cohen
Communicating with Your Consultant by Jessica Milstead
Shaping Lasting Communication: The Consultant's Role in Strengthening the Relationship Between the Library and Its Governing Agency or Board by Mary Wagner
Using Consultants in Negotiation, Proposal Development, and Evaluation
The Role of the Consultant in Contract Negotiations: Expectations, Responsibilities, and Limitations by Susan Baerg Epstein
The Use of Consultants in the Development of Request for Proposals by Edwin M. Cortez
Using Consultants to Evaluate and Strengthen Systems and Computing Resources: Case Studies from a Large Research Organization by Wilda B. Newman
Helping Solve Unique Problems: Perspectives from Selected Consultant Specialists
The Library Financial Development and Advancement Specialist by Dennis F. Vest
The Public Relations Consultant: An Important Asset in Difficult Times by Helen M. Gothberg
The Records Management and Archives Consultant by Karen Benedict
Services Provided by Risk Management Consultants by Frederick A. Kolish
The Large, Multi-Purpose, Multi-Resource Consulting Group: Helping Clients Attain Confidence and Self-Sufficiency by Thomas M. Koulopoulos
Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in the Use of Consultants
Ethical Issues in the Consultant-Library Relationship by Thomas J. Froehlich
The Value of Using a Consultant for a Long Term by Jeanne M. Isacco
Continuing a Relationship with a Consultant Over Time: Possible Conflict of Interest? by Robert Skovira
using Consultants to Help Libraries Act, Grow, and Respond to Change
Using Consultants to Build a More Creative Organizational Culture by Susan Jurow
Using Consultants to Enable the Strategic Planning Process by Mary Ellen Jacob
Intervention Into Organizational Conflict: How Far Dare the Consultant Go in Strengthening the Organization's Future? by Kitty Smith
Rules, Roles, and Responsibilities: Getting and Using Consultants' Reports Which Will Sustain Organizational Goals by Raymond R. McBeth
Alternative Means of Gaining Consultative Expertise
Alternative Consultants: Colleague Networks, Internal Consultants, and Peer Review by Mary Ann Walker and Duane Semler
The Consultant as Regional Accreditation Team Member: An Alternative Resource for Library Development by Ronald G. Leach
Encouraging the Development of Indigenous Consultants/Change Agents Within the Library and Information Center by Edward D. Garten
Bibliographic Essay: Using Consultants in Libraries and Information Centers: Resources and Readings, 1970-1991 by Nancy Courtney and Anita Johnson
Index

Editorial Reviews

Contributors discuss how to establish a basis for the use of a consultant; ensure a successful consultative experience; and use consultants in negotiation, proposal development, evaluation, and problem solving, as well as ethical issues and alternative means of gaining consultative expertise. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews