In an era of budget cuts, is outsourcing the answer for library services? This paper addresses the recent trend of "total outsourcing" in libraries, particularly materials selection, exemplified by the 1996 contract between the Hawaii State Public Library System and Baker & Taylor. It argues that this phenomenon is unprecedented and worthy of strict scrutiny by the library profession, noting the changes in library services over time. It examines the impact of materials selection on public libraries and education. It makes a plea for library administrators to exercise caution and independent professional judgment when dealing with vendors. This paper argues that outsourcing is not a "quick fix" for financial cutbacks. It also claims that 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. 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. The paper questions whether materials selection is a “core function” of public libraries and what the implications of ceding this function to outside agencies might be.
| Category | Category Repetition |
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| Bibliography. Library science. Information resources | 1 |