A Look at Public Library Management Outsourcing.

The article discusses models and case studies for the outsourcing of public library management to private contractors in the United States and Canada since 1997. Two models are distinguished; the first only outsources management but keeps library staff as public employees while the second outsources both to private contractors, which appears to be more common. The outsourcing process is described following the example of the Riverside County, California, library system, as well as further examples. The article further provides some advice for public library employees to consider if they are faced with the prospect of outsourcing in their communities.