Academic Library Innovation Through a Business Model Canvas Lens

Abstract

Academic libraries need to play a central role in providing user-centred services and enhancing users' quality of experience through digital innovation in the era of digital transformation. In the process of digital transformation, the businesses are transformed whereby new emerging approaches, best business practices, and new business models such as Business Model Canvas, are developed to support digital libraries innovations. Digital libraries are at the core of achieving higher education strategic priorities and critical pillars that include teaching and learning, research, and community engagement in an environment undergoing rapid digitalization. The Business Model Canvas thus offers digital libraries a lens through which to design innovative digital services to support the critical pillars of South African higher education institutions. This chapter explores the value of the Business Model Canvas in supporting creative digital services to internal patrons such as students, academics, researchers, and external patrons such as policymakers and industries.