Sources: Letting Go of Legacy Services: Library Case Studies

Abstract

Drawing on the organizational theories of noted business thinker and management consultant Peter Drucker, the editors of this volume have gathered together case studies and interviews that illustrate his concept of planned abandonment at work in libraries. Defined as the systematic evaluation of products and services, planned abandonment in libraries means examining reference, instruction, and collection development and abandoning those services that are no longer relevant in the present context. The editors argue that this strategy is the hallmark of innovative organizations and the key to libraries' future longevity.