[Prodev] P.S. re consultant

[Sally H. Wambold]

<color><param>0100,0100,0100</param>Thanks to Georgia for listing a couple of points I was trying to 
make.  I wish I had expressed my thoughts as well!


</color><smaller>They reminded me of 4 items I read in the conclusion of LITA Monograph, no.7, 
"Online System Migration Guide" by Grace Agnew and Toni Lambert, 1996.  
They say "Any library can successfully migrate to a new system by 
remembering the the following rules."  (There rules mention vendors but I think 
they apply equally to consultants.)


"1. Knowledge of your library's unique needs is more important than

technical expertise.  As long as you can describe what you need, you can

require that the vendor (or consultant) keep explaining until you

understand the response.  Although technical expertise can be purchased

through a consultant; there is no substitute for a thorough understanding

of your library's goals and needs.  Refuse to be intimidated by

technicalspeak."


"2. Define and demand vendor (consultant) responsiveness tied

contractually to the library's stated needs." 


"3.  Be honorable in your dealings with the vendor (consultant).  Remember

that you are buying an ongoing relationship, not a used car."


"4.  Involve and respect staff at all levels throughout the process."


<bigger>I rest my case and thank you all for your patience!


Sally Wambold

University of Richmond Law Library

wambold@uofrlaw.richmond.edu<color><param>0100,0100,0100</param>