Use of Outsourcing in Higher Education

According to a September 20, 2005 article from Inside Higher Ed, a recent report by the Institute for Higher Education Policy examines the extent to which outsourcing is used within higher education. Entitled "Is Outsourcing Part of the Solution to the Higher Education Cost Dilemma: A Preliminary Examination," the report indicates that most colleges are calling upon private entities for at least one function (e.g., bookstores, food services, or technology). Hesitancy to outsource core functions - such as teaching, research, and public service - seems to stem from concerns that doing so might negatively impact the college's sense of institutional culture and community.

The article, which includes a link to the full report, is available at the Inside Higher Ed Web site.