Consulting across cultures: librarians and project management in Vietnam

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a number of reflections based on the personal experience of working as a librarian in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is subjective and is based on the author's observations and conclusions as a project consultant to several philanthropic projects in Vietnam.

Findings

The paper briefly describes these library projects and then discusses some of the more significant professional and personal challenges and rewards they involved.

Practical implications

The paper provides some practical guidance on approaches to project management across cultures and on issues specific to library project management and consulting in Vietnam.

Originality/value

The paper is both a contribution to the small body of literature on the impact of philanthropic assistance and projects on libraries in Vietnam, as well as a personal narrative on the experience of working as a professional librarian in another culture.

Citation

Robinson, M. (2007), "Consulting across cultures: librarians and project management in Vietnam", Library Management, Vol. 28 No. 4/5, pp. 252-261. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120710744209