Abstract

Project work is widespread in all types of library and information units, and typical projects can involve developing a new information service, moving a library, digitizing materials or introducing a new staff-development programme. Projects may be relatively small and simple, with one or two members of staff working in the same office, or large and complex, involving people working in multi-professional teams. Complex projects sometimes involve working across different boundaries - professional, organizational, geographical - or working with new and developing ICT systems. ILS workers often carry out these projects alongside their full-time jobs, and find that they need to develop new skills and ways of working in order to manage their project successfully as well as their main work role. If you are an information professional involved in project work of any kind, whether on a managerial, practical, academic or research level, this book offers you a valuable resource. Its purpose is to act as a guide to project management within all types of library and information services. It explores tried and tested methods and techniques for managing projects, including paper-based approaches, and also the use of project management software. Each chapter is supported by examples that provide a feel for the realities of project management in today's turbulent work environments.
Barbara Allan BSc MA MSc MEd PGCE MCLIP is Senior Lecturer in student learning and management learning at Hull University Business School. Her previous experience includes the management of academic and workplace libraries, where she has been involved in a wide range of projects, such as moving a library, implementing an ICT system, overseeing a project supported by the European Social Fund, and a variety of e-learning projects. Barbara has written a number of books including E-learning and Teaching in Library and Information Services (Facet Publishing).
"...this book is very welcome as it provides a practical approach to project management as a part of change management. Some management textbooks on project management are often very theoretical and it is difficult for the information professional to draw practical lessons from them, but Barbara Allan has managed to overcome this by producing a thorough and practical management tool, written by an experienced and obviously successful professional. It is essential reading for anyone working in the profession who will be involved in change at some stage in their working life – and that is basically every library and information service manager." - New Library World