Introduction

Leaders and managers in all types of library and information services are involved in project work and this may range from large-scale strategic projects to small-scale operational projects at departmental or unit level. A project is defined as an activity with a clear aim and set of outcomes; it involves innovation and change, and it is implemented with an agreed start and end date and uses limited resources. Knowledge and skills in project management are very useful for all library managers and leaders, enabling them to successfully deliver projects in an effective and efficient manner.

Different kinds of projects

Librarians and information workers are frequently involved in managing small-scale projects or leading large-scale and often very complex projects. Table 7.1 on the next page shows the characteristics of these different types of projects, as well as examples.

Small-scale and relatively simple projects are commonplace in libraries and, in addition to achieving their goals, they also provide an excellent opportunity for managers and team members to develop knowledge and skills about project management. Small and relatively simple projects are managed by following the project cycle outlined in Figure 7.1 (on page 129) and using standard office tools such as:

As a leader in a library and information service, it is worthwhile thinking about how to use simple and small-scale projects as a form of staff development. They provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop their knowledge and skills, and an opportunity to learn how to use tools such as MS Project, Asana or Trello.

Large-scale and complex projects are often introduced as a result of a strategic change and, in addition to project management tools and techniques, a management of change process needs to be implemented both during and after the project management process (see Chapter 8). The project management process involves the project cycle described below. Project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2®, are often used as a means of managing large and complex projects with a number of different stakeholders and this topic is explored later in this chapter.