Provides an introduction to one-person libraries, and lists resources for the solo librarian. Part I examines global trends, management issues, and education, and discusses outsourcing and downsizing, the Information Superhighway, and the future of solo librarianship. Part II lists useful organizations, educational institutions, vendors and suppliers, books and journals, and Internet sites and listservs. Each chapter in Part II contains an overview. Includes appendices on a questionnaire and survey and their responses. For single-staff information services professionals. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This updated and expanded edition of the essential guide for small and one-person libraries (OPLs) covers virtually every key management topic of interest to OPLs. In addition to offering a wealth of practical tips, strategies, and case studies, author Judith Siess takes an international perspective that reflects the growing number of OPL's worldwide. The book's in-depth directory section lists important organizations, publications, vendors and suppliers, discussion lists, and Web sites.

Becoming a solo librarian may be a daunting prospect. From collections to cataloguing, classifying to copyright, whether the individual is a solo librarian, within a small team with limited help, or working in a larger library or information hub, the range of tasks involved will remain the same. Whilst being a solo librarian does have its fair share of challenges that can include juggling multiple tasks and time management, marketing and embracing the ever-changing technologies and upcoming social media channels, and effectively managing the feeling of being isolated, there are also many advantages. With the author having been through the education process and gained work experience, information professionals will have already picked up many transferrable skills and identified some key aspects when it comes to accessing, using, and running a library. By being intellectually curious, embracing ever-changing technologies, enjoying learning and knowledge creation, and working alongside non-library colleagues, it is likely that information professionals are organised, can manage their time effectively, enjoy helping others by sharing and promoting library and information services, and will stay engaged as a team of one. As a solo librarian herself and a book not being available on the topic, she has decided to write one – which covers the lessons learnt, and templates created in order to assist others) that find themselves in a similar role &/or a small team with limited help. This Internationally applicable and practical handbook will follow a yearly planner and shows a timeline of key activities that happen throughout, in this instance, an academic year and include the following examples: - Acquisitions, cataloguing, updating library guidance (before academic year start - September) - Student and Staff Inductions (September/October) - Quarterly Business Review to review updates and library usage (Oct – Dec) - Library cover over student/staff holiday period (Dec) - Quarterly Business Review (Jan – Mar) - Quality standard(s) re-accreditation (April) - Research methods/study skills webinars (April) - Library cover over student holiday period (April) - Quarterly Business Review (April –June) - Copyright Audit (May) - Copyright Academic Rollover (June) - Quarterly Business Review (July –Sept) - Yearly e-Library review (July) - Financial Review (July) - Student Survey Results (July) - Library cover over student holiday period (August/September) Appendices will include a condensed version of 'Lucy the Librarian top tips for successful solo librarianship' (Note: Chapter 4 of the publication will expand on key elements and provide contextual examples) as well as providing templates and guidance notes that will be made available to download and used to aid those working in information, knowledge, libraries and related disciplines, whether based within the UK or around the world. The idea behind this practical handbook, therefore, is to provide guidance and templates to cover: - Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a solo librarian - Identifying library user needs, - Benchmarking, - Forming a clear structure – for Physical and Online Libraries, - Acquisitions and financial management, - Classification and cataloguing, - Archives and records management, - Copyright (incl. Referencing and Plagiarism), Intellectual Property, and Licensing, - Communications and promotion, - Where to access further Information, Advice, and Guidance, and more.

How can a small library with a few (or even one) staff members and very limited resources be managed successfully? Learn the issues facing all types of small libraries.

Recent law, corporate, and even public library closings are the sad confirmation that libraries are no longer a given. Despite the fact that librarians bring unique value to their communities and organizations, too often their work goes on under the radar. The benefits provided by information professionals are invisible and taken for granted as Internet search engines replace real experts. It's time to assert your value and the value of the resources you marshal. Step from behind the desk or computer to make your community aware of just how indispensable your services are. Here are all the tools you need to become the squeaky wheel and attract the attention your work deserves. Use these practical strategies to connect with customers, make services both visible and valuable to the community, and get the word out using proven marketing, customer service and public relations tactics specifically tailored to the library environment. Learn to: Provide the answers your users/customers need; Gather internal and external champions to grow a funding base; Access the resources that keep your enterprise viable; Keep information resources available in spite of budget constraints; Be recogniz

One of the most critical problems for the librarian in a small library is not enough time. This book offers hundreds of practical ways to maximize limited time, based on actual experiences of the author and other practicing librarians. It explains how to use planning and prioritization to determine what to do and what not to do. It also provides techniques to make the most efficient and effective use of your limited schedule. All of these suggestions, which have been developed and proven by working librarians, are accompanied by specific examples from corporate, hospital, law, government, and association libraries. Topics Include: Determining the difference between efficiency and effectiveness Avoiding procrastination Managing email Organizing the workspace Dealing with job stress Optimizing the time spent at conferences Also includes an extensive annotated list of resources, including books, articles, web sites, and electronic lists. A valuable resource for any librarian working in a school, small public, or special library.

A revitalized version of the popular classic, the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, Second Edition targets new and dynamic movements in the distribution, acquisition, and development of print and online media-compiling articles from more than 450 information specialists on topics including program planning in the digital era, recruitment, information management, advances in digital technology and encoding, intellectual property, and hardware, software, database selection and design, competitive intelligence, electronic records preservation, decision support systems, ethical issues in information, online library instruction, telecommuting, and digital library projects.

As the global information economy grows, librarians who are able to retool and transfer their skills are finding themselves increasingly in demand. Here, Rachel Singer Gordon explains the dynamics of the shifting market for information-based work, reveals a range of nontraditional employment opportunities for librarians, and encourages info pros to utilize their skills in new and exciting ways. Mixing practical advice with real-life stories of librarians working in various fields, Gordon provides a wealth of useful ideas and resources for info pros rethinking their career paths. Whether youre a recent library school grad facing a tight job market, a working librarian seeking improved work/life balance, or an info pro with an entrepreneurial streak, Whats the Alternative? will help you explore your options and maximize your career potential.