Library Outsourcing in TN Gets Nudge Forward

-- Library Journal, 08/10/2006

Since April, a plan to privatize management of Jackson-Madison County Library, TN, has been on hold, as county officials sought a judicial opinion on whether the joint city-county library could enter into such a contract. In a ruling issued July 31, according to the Jackson Sun, Chancellor James F. Butler said the board "does have authority to enter into contracts relative to the operation of the library.'' The library board had received bids from Library Systems and Services, LLC (LSSI) and Information International Associates, and a bid from current library managers. Sharon Younger, treasurer for the library board, told the newspaper that, while the city and county will continue to own the library, "the board has the right to direct all the affairs of the library, including hiring outside management services and other expertise."