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1 - Introduction

from Part 1 - Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2018

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Summary

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce project management in the context of information and library services (ILS) and to introduce this book. This chapter considers the following topics:

  • • What is a project? Different types of projects.

  • • What is project management? Its benefits and challenges. Different approaches to project management. Project management in ILS.

  • It also supplies an overall introduction to the book and an overview of the individual chapters.

    This book

    The aim of the book is to provide a practical guide to library and information workers who are involved in project work either as a project manager or as a member of a project team. Project work is widespread in all types of library and information units, and typical projects range from developing a new information service, moving a library and digitization to introducing a new staff development programme. Projects may be relatively small and simple, for example involving one or two members of staff working on the same team, or large and complex ones involving people working in multi-professional teams. Complex projects sometimes involve working across different boundaries – professional, organizational, geographical, or working with new and developing IT systems. ILS workers often carry out these projects alongside their ‘full-time job’ and find that they need to develop new skills and ways of working in order to successfully manage their project as well as their main work role.

    The purpose of this book is to provide a guide and resource to project management within all types of information and library services (ILS). It explores tried and tested methods and techniques for managing projects and this includes paper-based approaches and also the use of project management software. Each chapter is supported by examples from a range of ILS departments and units. These examples provide a ‘feel’ for the realities of project management in today's turbulent environments.

    This book is based on information and knowledge obtained and developed from:

  • • the author's experiences as a project manager in academic and workplace library and information units

  • • her experiences in project work as an independent consultant and trainer

  • • feedback from colleagues attending her project management courses based at ASLIB/IMI in the UK

  • • visits (both real and virtual) to a wide range of library and information services

  • • professional networks and conferences, and also the literature.

  • Type
    Chapter
    Information
    Project Management
    Tools and techniques for today's ILS professional
    , pp. 3 - 14
    Publisher: Facet
    Print publication year: 2004

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    • Introduction
    • Barbara Allan
    • Book: Project Management
    • Online publication: 08 June 2018
    • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.29085/9781856049221.001
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    • Introduction
    • Barbara Allan
    • Book: Project Management
    • Online publication: 08 June 2018
    • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.29085/9781856049221.001
    Available formats
    ×

    Save book to Google Drive

    To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

    • Introduction
    • Barbara Allan
    • Book: Project Management
    • Online publication: 08 June 2018
    • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.29085/9781856049221.001
    Available formats
    ×