scholarly journals Extending McKinsey’s 7S model to understand strategic alignment in academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 313-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Martin Cox ◽  
Stephen Pinfield ◽  
Sophie Rutter
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Influences ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Strategic Position ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise the issues of alignment for changing academic libraries by using and extending McKinsey’s 7S model. Design/methodology/approach Theoretical work was conducted to consider and extend the 7S model for the situation of academic libraries. Empirical data were then used to confirm the value of these extensions and suggest further changes. The data to support the analysis were drawn from 33 interviews with librarians, library and non-library academics and experts, and a survey of UK library staff. Findings In the academic library context, the 7S model can be usefully extended to include three library functions (stuff, space and services) and users. It can also include institutional influences and stakeholders, and aspects of the external environment or situation, including suppliers and allies. The revised model then provides a useful framework within which data about library change can be analysed. Perceived barriers to successful performance fit the model and enable the identification of seven challenges of alignment. Research limitations/implications The resulting model has potential applications such as in the structuring analysis of academic library performance, mapping future directions of development and for exploring variations across the sector and internationally. Practical implications The revised model can be used by practitioners to think through their own strategic position and to act to shape their future, in the light of seven major areas of alignment. Originality/value The paper extends a well-known model used in strategy, to produce a more comprehensive, sector-specific analytic tool.

scholarly journals Maintaining digital collections with declining resources, fewer staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Wendy Walker ◽  
Teressa Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Face ◽  
Continue Work ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe methods for restructuring workflows and efficiently using staff members and volunteers to continue work on multiple, simultaneous digital collections as budgets and resources decline. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes one library’s varied approaches to several digital collections supported by literature or volunteers in libraries. Findings In the face of continually declining resources and new, time-sensitive priorities and compliance responsibilities, librarians can continue to maintain digital collections by modifying workflows, using the services of volunteers and communicating strategically. Practical implications This paper is relevant to librarians, archivists and others who are looking for ways to justify and capitalize on the use of unconventional personnel in digital collections programs. Originality/value This paper presents a case of the successful use of volunteers to accomplish digital collections-related tasks in an academic library and provides a communication-based strategy for addressing some of the challenges related to volunteers in academic libraries.

Why are bathrooms inclusive if the stacks exclude?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis L. Wagner ◽  
Archie Crowley
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gender Nonconforming ◽  
Exclusionary Practices ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deploy a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to consider exclusionary practices enacted by academic libraries as evidenced through resource provision. Specifically, this paper looks at the inclusion of trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals in library guides, TGNC naming practices in abstracts and the physical shelving of transgender studies texts. This paper concludes with a discussion of methods to overcome such exclusionary practices in the future. Design/methodology/approach This paper deploys CDA as informed by queer theory, affording a lens to consider how language and information are structured such that particular power dynamics emerge placing symbolic value on discursively normal identities. CDA helps illuminate when, how and why TGNC individuals remain excluded within academic librarianship practices. Findings Findings show continued investments in heteronormative and cisnormative structures concerning information provision and access for TGNC patrons. TGNC patrons using library guides consistently fail to see any mentioned made of their respective identities aside from research about their identities. Patrons seeking information of personal value (i.e. coming out resources) find few resources. Further, library stacks and databases enact consistent microaggressions such as fetishizing, deadnaming and misgendering. Research limitations/implications This project contains considerable social implications, as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries to invest in neutrality by showing its failures regarding TGNC persons. Practical implications This study possesses a considerable set of practical implications and highlights tangible problems that could be addressed with relative ease by academic librarians through either systemic reorganization of information or TGNC patrons. Alternatively, this work also suggests that if such reformations are not possible, academic librarians can take it upon themselves to call attention to such issues and purposefully mark these failings, thus making it clear that it is a current limitation of how libraries function and invite patrons (both cisgender and transgender) to challenge and change these representations through research and advocacy. Social implications This project contains considerable social implications as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries (and librarianship more broadly) to invest in neutrality. This study contests the idea that while possessing neutrality academic libraries also posit themselves as inherently good and inclusive. By showing the violence that remains enacted upon transgender and gender nonconforming folks through multiple venues within the academic library, this study makes clear that statements of negativity are thrust onto TGNC patrons and they remain excluded from an institution that purports to have their well-being as one of its core values. Originality/value The deployment of CDA within information science is still a relatively new one. While linguists have long understood the multiplicity of discourse beyond language, the application of this method to the academic library as a discursive institution proves generative. Furthermore, the relationship between academic libraries and their LGBTQ+ populations is both underrepresented and undervalued, a problem exacerbated when focusing on how transgender and gender nonconforming patrons see themselves and their relationships to the academic library. This paper shows the dire state of representation for these particular patrons and provides groundwork for positively changing such representations.

Initiatives towards formation of academic library consortium in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 102-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsah Mohd ◽  
Rosnah Yusof ◽  
Rohaya Umar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Year 2000 ◽  
Ministry Of Higher Education ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to report on several initiatives towards formation of national consortium among academic libraries in Malaysia. The consortium focused on subscription of online databases. Design/methodology/approach – In July 2004, CDC on behalf of PERPUN members made several initiatives towards formation of national consortium of Malaysian academic libraries. Proposal paper on the formation of the consortium has been submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education. Through “loose consortia” formed, CDC and later known as Malaysian Online E-Resources Consortium (MOLEC) succeeded in negotiating for subscription of online databases and was able to get financial aid from the Ministry of Education to subscribe several databases since 2002. Findings – A commercial databases committee (CDC) was formed in year 2000 as a platform for academic libraries to evaluate, select, negotiate and manage the online databases. Complications involved in online databases subscriptions such as cost increase, license agreement, various formats of usage statistics, merger and takeover of publishers have made PERPUN (Malaysian Standing Conference of National and University Libraries) realize that there is a need for a formal consortium to be formed. Research limitations/implications – An improved service was established for the benefit of the academic libraries in Malaysia. Practical implications – A more coordinated approach to consortial dealings is being established in Malaysia. Originality/value – This is a report on the process and outcomes.

scholarly journals Safety in numbers: developing a shared analytics service for academic libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Showers ◽  
Graham Stone
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – It is clear that libraries consider the use of data to inform decision making a top priority in the next five years. JISC's considerable work on activity data has highlighted the lack of tools and services for libraries to exploit this data. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of a shared analytics service for UK academic libraries and introduce the JISC Library Analytics and Metrics Project. The project aims to help libraries effectively management collections and services as well as delivering pre-emptive indicators and “actionable insights” to help identify new trends, personalise services and improve efficiencies, economies and effectiveness (student attainment and satisfaction and institutional reputation, for example). The project builds on the Library Impact Data Project at the University of Huddersfield and the work of the Copac Activity Data and Collections Management tools. The paper will deliver a case study of the project, its progress to date, the challenges of such an approach and the implications the service has for academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper will be a case study of the project and its institutional partners and early adopters work to date and explore both the technical and cultural challenges of the work as well as its implications for the role of the library within the institution and the services it provides. Specifically the case study will comprise of the following aspects: a brief history of the work and the context of library analytics services in the UK (and internationally). A description of the approach adopted by the project, and the vision and goals of the project. Exploration of the challenges associated with the project. Outline of the implications of the project and the resultant service. Findings – This paper will report on the initial findings of the project, which will run from January to December 2013. In particular it will consider the issues surfaced through the close engagement with the academic library community (through the projects community advisory and planning group) and the institutional early adopters around data gathering and analysis. Practical implications – Data accumulated in one context has the potential to inform decisions and interventions elsewhere. While there are a number of recognised and well-understood use cases for library analytics these tend to revolve around usage and collection management. Yet, the potential of a shared analytics service is in uncovering those links and indicators across diverse data sets. The paper will consider a number of practical impacts: performance – benchmarking, student attainment and research productivity; design – fine tuning services, personalised support; trends – research landscape, student marketplace, utilisation of resources. The case study will explore these practical implications for libraries and what they mean for the future of the library within the academy. Originality/value – The paper will present a case study of a unique service that currently fills an important gap within the library analytics space. The paper will focus on the services potential to transform both the way the library works and how it is perceived by its users, as well as its role and relationship within the broader institution.

scholarly journals Leveraging apps for research and learning: a survey of Canadian academic libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Canuel ◽  
Chad Crichton
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the response of Canadian academic libraries to the rapid proliferation of mobile application (apps), many of which are useful for research, teaching, and learning. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted to identify existing initiatives that address the use of mobile apps to facilitate research, teaching, and learning at the libraries of the 97 member institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Based on this survey, this paper describes how apps are promoted, curated, organized, and described by today’s academic libraries. A review of the literature places this survey in its broader context. Findings – In total, 37 per cent of AUCC member libraries include links to mobile apps in their web site. Larger, research-intensive universities, tend to leverage apps more frequently than smaller institutions. Examples of how academic libraries are promoting apps provide insight into how academic librarians are responding to the proliferation of mobile technology. Practical implications – The results of this survey highlight trends with regard to this emerging service opportunity, help to establish current best practices in the response of academic libraries to the emergence of mobile apps, and identify areas for potential future development. Originality/value – This is the first study of its kind to explore and describe how third-party apps are used and promoted within an academic library context.

Big data and academic libraries: is it big for something or big for nothing?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeyinka Tella ◽  
Kehinde Khadijat Kadri
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Review Analysis ◽  
The World ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper examined big data and academic libraries and emphasized whether it is big for something or nothing. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual and review analysis of documents was adopted to determine the concept of big data, the sources, the features, the relevance to academic libraries, specific case studies from around the world that have made use of big data, uses of big data in academic libraries, a review of best practices in the use of big data in academic libraries and the challenges. Findings The paper reports that although big data is indeed very big in academic libraries because there are evidences of its adoption and best practices in its use in academic libraries across the world, available challenges can render it big for nothing. Research limitations/implications This study is limited in terms of using literature review approach to discuss big data and academic libraries. The study is also limited in terms of focusing academic libraries and not taken other types of libraries into consideration. Practical implications The study has created awareness on the part of academic libraries stakeholders including authorities, librarians and users on the relevance of big data in academic and how big indeed it is in academic library landscape. The study also implied future related studies can borrow ideas from the current studies, which will inform whether an empirical evaluation is possible on the subject matter. Originality/value The paper is the original idea by the author, and it is to emphasize the relevance of big data in academic libraries and to prepare academic libraries that have not been tapping the opportunities of big data to get ready.

A survey of e-book interlibrary loan policy in US academic libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Zhu ◽  
Lan Shen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to reveal the perceived barriers to e-book interlibrary loan (ILL) and their reflections on academic libraries’ ILL/lending policies. Academic libraries in the USA have witnessed an impressive growth in acquiring e-journals and e-books. Although ILL of e-journal articles has become a standard practice, ILL of copyrighted e-books does not appear to be equally common. E-book ILL is often considered difficult or nearly impossible because restrictions for ILL are embedded in license agreements (or terms of use) and reinforced by technological measures. Design/methodology/approach – The study opted for a telephone survey method, in which researchers collected data on ILL/lending policies about e-journals and e-books in 200 randomly selected academic libraries in the USA. Findings – The findings show the state of e-books in US academic libraries and demonstrate the slow adoption of e-book ILL compared to e-journal ILL. Licensing restrictions and lack of technical means are the major obstacles perceived by librarians, but there may also be a barrier of perception. Research limitations/implications – The survey data do not necessarily provide explanations. In-depth interviews may be needed to explain the barriers and perceptions. Practical implications – This paper reveals important perceptions and facts about e-book ILL in academic libraries and analyzes the obstacles and restrictions on e-book. Originality/value – This paper provides empirical data on the status of e-book ILL.

scholarly journals Progress, traditions and future directions in research on disasters involving slow-onset hazards

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reidar Staupe-Delgado
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Policy ◽  
Current State ◽  
Adverse Impacts ◽  
Early Action ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Slow Onset ◽  
Do So

PurposeThe importance of onset speed has been stressed by disaster researchers and inter-governmental bodies for some time, but its meaning and knowledge frontier has not been explored in depth. The purpose of this paper is to contextualise disasters involving slow-onset hazards within the broader literature on disasters, assess the current state of knowledge and identify themes in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a semi-structured review design with the purpose of identifying both scholarship engaging directly with the term and less obvious but related literatures.FindingsThe majority of publications that mention slow-onset hazards and their adverse impacts do so only by means of delimitation. The paper finds that there is a great need for empirical and theoretical work on onset and manifestation speed and to test the degree to which existing theories and frameworks of disaster management are also relevant for the study of slow-onset hazard impacts.Research limitations/implicationsThe review identifies several gaps in existing research disasters involving slow-onset hazards and proposes research on community, political, policy and practical challenges, including answering the question of how to secure proactive response to emerging slow-onset hazard impacts.Practical implicationsIn theory, hazards with a gradual and creeping onset are easier to manage and proactively respond to than that of sudden and unexpected ones. Not only do slow-onset hazards provide more lead time, but also a larger potential for proactive response, which in turn provides ample time to take early action to cushion their impacts. Yet, warnings often go unheard and response is put on hold until impacts become unnecessarily costly to reverse. More research on onset speed and gradual manifestation patterns should therefore be carried out.Originality/valueGradually occurring hazards have remained largely absent from the core literature on disasters, including most definitions of the term. This paper represents an initial effort to assess the state-of-the-art on the concept and the phenomenon of disasters involving slow-onset hazards.

scholarly journals User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 358-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Michele Moorefield-Lang
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The Body ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Abstract – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the user agreements of makerspaces in public and academic libraries. User agreements, also known as maker agreements, user forms and liability forms, can be very important documents between library patrons, staff and faculty. User agreements are similar to the earlier creation of acceptable use policies for technology use in libraries. The author of this study will delve into the user agreements created for public and academic libraries across the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher used content analysis to investigate 24 different user agreements written for public and academic library makerspaces. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was integrated into this research to aid in the breakdown of commonalities across terms, themes and purpose within the user agreements. Findings – Although makerspaces are a very exciting topic in the field of library science at this time, the implementation of a maker learning space is still new to many libraries. Creating a user agreement for a makerspace is newer still. Most user agreements in this study were six months to a year old. Some consistencies found across makerspace user agreements include liability waivers, permissions for minors, safety, copyright and technology replacement costs. Originality/value – At this time, most publications on makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). The body of peer-reviewed and scholarly research on makerspaces is growing. Makerspace user agreements are new to this growing field of interest, and a content analysis of these documents will pave the way for the writing of future forms.

Marketing and delivering information literacy on the web, yesterday and today, from 2009 to 2012

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Q. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Web ◽  
Made In

Purpose – This study aims to ascertain the trends and changes of how academic libraries market and deliver information literacy (IL) on the web. Design/methodology/approach – The author compares the findings from two separate studies that scanned the Web sites for IL-related activities in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Findings – Academic libraries intensified their efforts to promote and deliver IL on the web between 2009 and 2012. There was a significant increase in IL-related activities on the web in the three-year period. Practical implications – The findings describe the status quo and changes in IL-related activities on the libraries’ Web sites. This information may help librarians to know what they have been doing and if there is space for improvement. Originality/value – This is the only study that spans three years in measuring the progress librarians made in marketing and delivering IL on the Web.

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