Study on Library and Information Process Outsourcing (LIPO)

The study aims to find out the significance of Library and Information Process Outsourcing (LIPO) and observe the changes it brings to the changing scenario of libraries. The major objectives of the present study are to identify the factors which influence the decision to outsource; to determine how far outsourcing will be an amicable solution; to identify as to whether the users are satisfied or not. The major findings of the study include- the scenario of economic crises, lacking expertise and shortage of staff; the contrast between Indian and International, Indian libraries are abstaining from outsourcing of core activities and services but prefer to use outsourcing in non-core activities and services; the growth and development of outsourcing phenomenon is as a common practice in the libraries of today; the acceptance of outsourcing as a new strategic management tool by the library professionals.The study proposes a Library Outsourcing Management Maturity Model (LOMMM) while making an outsourcing decision. The adoption of outsourcing has a significant role in re-engineering library activities and services in order to serve and satisfy the majority of clientele.