Finding the Right Consultant

Hiring a good consultant isn’t exactly like hiring a new employee but there are a lot of similarities.  You want an individual (or a firm) that has the right skill set, related experience – and is a good fit for your library or your library organization.

The Right Skill Set

Many consultants are “generalists” but that doesn’t mean that a consultant can do everything your organization needs.

If you’re hiring a consultant for a strategic planning project, for example, you want an individual who understands – and can facilitate – a comprehensive process.  This means that the consultant should know how to gather the right data, engage appropriate stakeholders, think big picture (mission & vision) but know how to make sure the details support the vision and the plan.

If you’re conducting a fundraising feasibility study, your consultant should not only know about the process of putting the study together but the consultant should be comfortable answering the tough questions that often come up from a potential major donor (“Why should I invest in a new library when everything’s happening on the internet?”).

Ask pertinent questions of your potential consultant to determine if the consultant really has the specific skills and knowledge to successfully execute your project.

Related Experience

The library world is really pretty unique – with challenges and opportunities that are not like businesses, other government agencies or most nonprofits.   Your consultant should have a real understanding of the library world and the nuances of providing services to various sizes of communities and types of customers.

Ask your consultant to provide a list of their clients to make sure they have worked on projects similar to your own – and ask for references from clients that can relate to your library’s needs.

A Good Fit

Most projects requiring a consultant are going to involve spending a good deal of time together.  Do you like the person you’re considering hiring?  Does the consultant have a sense of humor?  Does the consultant listen well?  Do you have a strong sense that the consultant really cares about your organization – and the outcome of your project?

Answering “Yes!” to these questions will be a good predictor of how successful your project and its outcomes will be for your organization…and how much you will enjoy being a part of a good process.  Do a gut-check if you’re on the fence and trust your intuition.

Final Thoughts…

In these days of tight budgets and stretching funds as far as they will go, it’s easy to look to the lowest bidder for a project but keep in mind the adage that “You get what you pay for.”  If your project is important enough to put out for bid, consider all of the aspects of hiring a consultant.  This includes the tangible qualifications (skills and experience) and the “soft side” (a good fit).

And, remember that most consultants bid a project with the objective of matching your needs to their own budgeted time and expense.  If you find a consultant who you really believe is best for your project, – but their bid is above your budget – talk with the consultant to see if you can find a way to make it work.  Most consultants will willingly engage in this conversation!