Implementing and project managing a new library management system

Abstract

If things seem to be going well, that's because you've forgotten something.' AbstractFollows on from an earlier article (Business Information Review, 16 (4) 1999, pp. 197-202), which described the process used by the Economist Intelligence Unit when choosing a new library management system (LMS) to replace their existing, non-Year 2000 compliant (Y2K) system. Focuses on the issues involved in implementing a new system in terms of project management. Sets out the basic principles of project management, noting that some of the most frequent risks are: failure to finish the project on time; budget overspending; and lack of experience by either the project manager or by members of the project team. Considers the practical details of setting up a project team and sorting out who is going to coordinate the project and presents a number of clearly defined steps to ensure its success.

Management and the management of information and library services 2000

“…The process used by the Economist Intelligence Unit to select a new library management system is described, together with the basic project management principles employed, noting the risks that are encountered. These include failure to finish the project on time, budget overspend, and lack of experience of the project team (Pedley, 2000). In an issue of Library Hi Tech devoted to new library automation systems, the process used by Purdue University Libraries to select a system is described (Manifold, 2000).…”