Outsourcing book selection in public and school libraries

Abstract

States that the recent phenomenon of “total outsourcing”, exemplified by the 1996 contract between the Hawaii State Public Library System and Baker & Taylor, must be seen as unprecedented and worthy of strict scrutiny by the library profession. Gives background on the move toward adding materials selection to the services provided to libraries by vendors. Makes a plea for library administrators to exercise caution and independent professional judgment in dealing with vendors. Argues that outsourcing is not a “quick fix” for financial cutbacks. Those entrusted with the leadership of tax‐funded libraries must ensure that methods of materials selection fulfill the public service mission and overall collection development strategy of their institutions. It is time to raise these questions: Is materials selection a “core function” of public libraries? Are librarians being trained to have expertise in this function? What are the implications of ceding this function to outside, for‐profit agencies?