Supporting infographic

In-house vs. outsourced library: A true cost breakdown

Overview

The infographic shows how outsourcing library sources, though cutting costs initially, leads to unforeseen expenses and consequences for academic institutions.

The infographic contains two columns comparing an in-house library to an outsourced library. The columns are each divided into three sections: Resource Costs, Dedication to Students, and Intellectual Capital. 

The column on the left, the in-house library, indicates that resource costs are low, with libraries being able to participate in staff and resource sharing through consortia. Conversely, the outsourced library resource costs are ambiguous, with prices determined by vendors and contracts.

The in-house library depicts dedication to students as high, with staff engaging in their learning and making a positive impact on retention. The outsourced library shows dedication to students as low, with minimal or no contact with students, and leaving a negative or low impact on retention. 

Finally, the in-house library shows intellectual capital as owned and licensed outright by the institution and modified at will. The outsourced library shows intellectual capital as controlled by vendors and limited by contracts, with little to no control from the institution. 

Presentation

The infographic uses illustrations that highlight the college library experience, such as a backpack, notebooks, pens, a chalkboard, a plant, books, and an open laptop. The side-by-side columns allow the reader to easily compare at a glance the true cost breakdown of services provided by the in-house library versus the outsourced library.