Teams and Venues
Write-up due: March 1
Background. This is a team exercise for 2-3 people. A setting
similar to one of those used in the first assignment may be selected
(The choice of organization is up to the team). The next two assignments
will build on this one and use the same organizational setting.
The purpose of this
assignment is to plan an information support service (hereafter called
'library',
although please understand to mean the broadest possible interpretation
of what a library can be).
The emphasis here is on managing. You are asked to address
issues of planning, staffing, arranging space and selecting equipment.
You are also asked to create two budgets -- one to set up the library and
the second to show a typical year's operating costs.
Format. Assume for this assignment that you have been asked by the
CEO (or equivalent) of the organization you have selected to present a
proposal for a library. A useful format for this kind of proposal
is to provide an executive summary first with major points
highlighted followed by supporting material containing more complete
detail and reasons. In your proposal please address the following points.
Analysis of the Setting. To demonstrate your understanding of the
organization, it is customary in a consulting report like this one to
begin with a short description illustrating the key factors
affecting your
choice of information services. This analysis may include the
following:
Staffing. Draw up a plan for staffing with a description of the
major responsibilities of each person. Provide a simple organization
chart showing relationships of the library to other departments
(include your recommendation of where the library director
will report). Indicate what hours of operation you suggest
and what staff members will work which hours.
Space and Equipment. Sketch a facility plan. Indicate any special
equipment or space needs relative to the mission of the proposed library.
Include a list of primary equipment needs and technical requirements.
Indicate the kind of computer and telecommunications systems support that
will be needed.
Budget. Prepare an initial budget to include estimates
of direct costs to set up the library, e.g., for
furniture, equipment, and the core collection. Prepare a projected
annual budget for the first year showing personnel costs and other ongoing
support costs.
Presentation of the Proposal. Remember your effort is directed
to a decision-maker. The tone of your report should be persuasive and
authoritative. The
written proposal itself will probably only be 1-2 pages long; the
supporting
material will probably require a page or two for each topic. Plan a 7-9
minute presentation for the class.
Team Presentation: March 1
Mission, Products and Services. After the background material, you
will want to propose an overall mission or function for the library and
outline the major products and services the library would provide. It is
not necessary to provide a lot of detail about each of the service
offerings but do provide enough to define in layman's terms what you mean.
As you have been asked to include the design and management of your
company's
intranet as part of your proposal, please include this as one of your
products and services. Please also include a
collection of some kind (physical and/or virtual) as another
service.
1/2/99
Email Evelyn Daniel if you have
any questions or want to discuss the assignment.