Here are some of the questions which clients have asked me:
- We are a small business. We have several filing cabinets full of files, newspaper clippings, videos, and magazines. There is more in the basement. What do we do about it all? Do we need a librarian or a records manager? What about a computer system, colour coding, shelves, file jackets, keywords etc?
- Our department has been split into four – how do we best provide library services? Do we need a library at all, and if so, one, two, three or four?
- We have a good system and procedures to control paper-based documents and files, but more of our work is being done on the LAN. Electronic documents exist for months before they are printed. At the moment we cannot meet our internal needs, let alone respond accurately to a court order or tax audit. What do we do about computer systems, data entry, indexing, staffing etc?
- Our Department has merged with several others, and we now have four libraries. How should we meet library needs in the most cost-effective way?
- We have seen the ads for scanning and imaging. Our paper files are filling up the building. What role will scanning and imaging play? What about microfilm? Is remote storage cost effective for us? If we scan things, how do we find them again? Can we destroy the originals? What about the legality of images?
- Can we outsource the library completely, or in part? What are the staffing and cost implications?
- We know that there is no single computer system that will meet our needs. What strategy should we adopt to meet current, medium and long-term needs, without going down any dead ends?
- We want to replace our very old computer system. We need someone to do a full cost benefit analysis and recommend a solution. Can you do it in three weeks?
- Our hardware is obsolete, and we have to provide Internet facilities to the local community. Can you do a strategy document that will show how to spread expenditure over three years, in a way that our Councillors will understand?
- I have come across a great software system overseas, and I think it will sell well in Australia and New Zealand. What competition is there, who are our major prospects and how should we approach them?
