[Publib] re: AP story on library outsourcing

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings,

 

I think Adelaide makes a very good point.  When I compare the MBA

courses that I took with the MLIS courses there is a fundamental

difference in the underlying philosophies.  The reason for the MLIS

is the pursuit and organization of knowledge.  The reason for the MBA

is the pursuit and accumulation of wealth. 

 

While pursuit and organization of knowledge may lead to wealth,  I think
most 

librarians can testify that it usually does not. :-)  However, our work at
its essence 

is an altruistic endeavor - for the common good and not for profit.

 

The composition of LSSI recently changed with majority interest held by

Islington Capital Partners according to Washington Business Journal:

 

http://tinyurl.com/2ywd6r

 

http://tinyurl.com/ynp6m4

 

http://tinyurl.com/ys7x58

 

 

I think it is often very difficult to communicate the intrinsic value of
libraries

to public officials who control the purse strings.  With the business
oriented

leadership at LSSI, they may have a communication strategy the speaks

strongly to business oriented public officials.   They may have a better
sales

pitch than many librarians.

 

While many library services have been outsourced - especially technological 

processes - it seems to me that administration and governance of a library 

through a for profit company could create a conflict of interest between

public good and private profit.  On the other hand, if we are unable to 

communicate the value of libraries to those who control the purse strings

and the for-profit management is, then the ultimate value to the public may

be through for-profit leadership.

 

*************************************************

Join: http://gotbooks.ning.com/

Robert L. Balliot

1-401-441-5763

Skype: RBalliot

Bristol, Rhode Island

http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm

*************************************************

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Kay Sappington
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:52 PM
To: Publib
Subject: [Publib] re: AP story on library outsourcing

 

Adelaide wrote:
 "One quick thought - WHO is in charge of the libraries? I am thinking of
Blackwater and their fundamentalist Christian owner. If all books were
ordered centrally, I think we would lose the local control. The thought
of James Dobson and Pat Robertson choosing the books gives me the
willies. I order the Left Behind Series, but I don't think they would
order Harry Potter."

 

I worked for an LSSI library in Texas. We did our own selection and ordering
of materials with monies provided to us by LSSI. The library building and
all its contents belonged to the city; the staff were employees of LSSI. The
director was hired by LSSI, but naturally had to work at pleasing both her
employer and the city--a tough act.

Kay Sappington

Director
Union County Library System
New Albany, Mississippi
Birthplace of William Faulkner

 

"I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they
fly by." - Douglas Adams

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