Outsourcing of activities and services in academic libraries

Abstract

This article examines the outsourcing of library activities and services in university libraries in Maharashtra. A survey was employed to collect data using an online questionnaire. The study (covering 27 university libraries) revealed that outsourcing is common in academic libraries. The paper identifies the activities that have been outsourced and draws a strategy that can be followed while outsourcing library functions. It concludes that outsourcing non-core activities can save the time of library professionals which can be invested by them in providing other services like literacy skills, quality research support services etc. Concludes that there should be a proper balance of outsourcing activities and duties of the library professionals.