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Library Technical Services
Libraries are experiencing major changes concerning the role of technical services. Technical services librarians also are being challenged about their relevance and role, sometimes revealed by a lack of understanding of the contribution technical services librarians make to building and curating library and archival collections. The threats are real: relocation from central facilities, the dramatic shift to electronic resources, budgetary constraints, and outsourced processing. As a result, technical services departments are reinventing themselves to respond to these and similar challenges while embracing innovative methods and opportunities to advance librarianship in the twenty-first century.
Library Technical Services provides case studies that highlight difficult realities, yet embrace exciting opportunities, such as space reclamation, evolving vendor partnerships, metadata, retraining and managing personnel, special collections, and distance education. Written for catalog and metadata librarians and managers of technical services units, this book will inspire and provide practical advice and examples for solving issues many libraries are facing today.
eBook
Offshore Outsourcing as a Source of International Competitiveness for SMEs
Scholars typically view offshore outsourcing as a means of reducing the cost of manufacturing activities for large corporations, yet offshore outsourcing may entail administrative and technical services, and may include activities outsourced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on research in international entrepreneurship and services, we hypothesize and find evidence that offshore outsourcing of administrative and technical services by SMEs is associated with greater extent and scope of internationalization of sales. Offshore outsourcing enhances international competitiveness by enabling SMEs to reduce costs, expand relational ties, serve customers more effectively, free up scarce resources, and leverage capabilities of foreign partners.
Journal Article
Peer Review Statement
All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review: Single Anonymous• Conference submission management system: Morressier• Number of submissions received: 29• Number of submissions sent for review: 29• Number of submissions accepted: 28• Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 96.6• Average number of reviews per paper: 1.24• Total number of reviewers involved: 16• Contact person for queries:Name: Paul HoldstockEmail: paul@holdstock.bizAffiliation: Holdstock Technical Services
Journal Article
Lean service system design: a simulation-based VSM case study
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for using simulation models together with value stream mapping (VSM) for designing lean service systems and illustrate it with a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose a methodology combining simulation and VSM. Simulation models for both current and future states are developed to validate the results of the corresponding maps of current and future states, respectively.
Findings
The results illustrate the advantages of the suggested design represented by the future state map. Additionally, using simulation models together with VSM for validating current and future states also allows decision makers to perform comprehensive analyses on the system and draw statistical conclusions.
Originality/value
Although some lean applications in educational services exist in previous studies, according to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one combining VSM and simulation for the implementation of the lean concepts in the construction and technical services of a public university.
Journal Article
Management Practice Changes in Academic Library Technical Services Departments during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many unexpected changes for academic libraries. Technical services departments were especially disrupted due to the nature of their responsibilities and library operations. In response to these pandemic-induced changes, technical services managers were tasked with maintaining a high level of operations while also navigating sudden workforce changes including evolving job demands and employees working off-site. This study documents and analyzes the responses of technical services managers during the pandemic. Documenting these practice changes will help inform current managers looking to compare themselves to peers and future managers who may experience a similar event that causes a sudden shift in operations. Overall, managers reported a high incidence of change to their typical management practices. Managers made the biggest changes in communications and practices related to work-life balance. A significant theme emerged from the analysis that shows technical services managers adding several new practices to support and care for the mental health of employees.
Journal Article
Manager Perspectives on the Prevalence, Impact, and Management of Work-Related Burnout in Academic Library Technical Services Workers
Work-related burnout has been studied for decades across multiple industries, including librarianship. However, few studies have evaluated burnout in technical services workers. This study surveys academic library technical services managers to learn their perspective on the prevalence and impact of burnout on technical services workers. Managers observed a high incidence of burnout in their direct reports. The negative impacts of burnout on employees (e.g., personal health) and the organization (e.g., performance decline) are discussed. Managers’ typical practices are evaluated through the lens of burnout prevention and mitigation. Documentation of the typical practices of academic library technical services managers is provided to assist current managers in self-evaluating their practices with peers. Overall, technical services managers are using thoughtful and research supported practices that can have a positive impact on the mitigation and prevention of work-related burnout.
Journal Article
Outsourcing in aviation technical and information technology services: A comparative study of maturity development
Purpose: This paper analyzes the longitudinal development of outsourcing research and practical applications in aviation technical services through a comparison with information technology (IT) outsourcing to find commonalities, differences, and trends. Although these large knowledge-intensive industry segments have different boundary conditions, they both have a long history in outsourcing.Design/methodology/approach: Results from longitudinal expert interviews conducted in 2014 and 2020 are analyzed using a maturity model and compared to input collected from the literature.Findings: Outsourcing in both segments follows the path indicated in the maturity model, with some variations. In aviation technical services, elements from earlier maturity stages are retained both in research and practice, while in IT, new technologies bring the focus back to elements seen in lower maturity stages. Aviation has advanced further in maturity than IT outsourcing, despite IT being a larger and more widespread segment.Research limitations/implications: The interviews conducted were mainly with Finnish experts from internationally operating organizations. However, the possibility of geographical bias is considered small, as practices in both studied segments are truly international.Social implications: Well-functioning outsourcing is an essential part of modern organizations’ strategic set-up. Understanding the longitudinal development patterns helps both vendors and clients to prepare and adapt for the future.Originality/value: Maturity models have not previously been used for a longitudinal study of outsourcing development. Comparing outsourcing in two large segments contributes to understanding of the effects of regulation, differing client preferences, and innovation.
Journal Article