LAR4610

Managing information services

J Anderson and B Reed

6 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Distance education
* Prohibition: LAR3010

Objectives At the completion of this subject, students should be able to understand the evolution of management theory and its impact in the workplace today; be aware of the environments in which information service organisations operate; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current management theory and practice and how they relate to a variety of information service organisations; be aware of strategic management issues and the resultant effects on the delivery of information services; apply project management, costing and other knowledge and skills necessary to undertake a new service/product market study; evaluate the performance of information services and products; understand at a practical level the importance of team work in information services; and work as independent, self-sufficient professionals in a range of roles.

Synopsis This subject examines the application of management theory to, and current management practice in, a variety of information service environments, including archives and records programs and academic, public and school libraries. The management of a wide range of resources is covered - people, finance, buildings and equipment, information technology, products and services. Students gain an understanding of management practice in a variety of workplace contexts. Special emphasis is given to the design, development, promotion and subsequent evaluation of new programs and to project and change management. Through this subject students have the opportunity to align management and marketing theories with practical skills. Consideration is also given to the range of competencies that information professionals require in the various roles they play in the workplace - as employees, team members, contractors and self-employed practitioners. Issues relating to the specialised streams are covered in greater detail in the separate tutorials and in course materials.

Assessment Staff selection exercise: 20%
* Group new product/service feasibility study: 40%
* Report/Essay: 40%

Recommended texts

Robbins S P, Bergman R and Stagg I Management 5th edn, Prentice-Hall, 1997
Nicholson F and Rochester M (eds) Best practice: Challenges in library management education Auslib, 1996
Sanders R Australian library supervision and management Centre for Information Studies, 1995