Abstract
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Library and Information Service (LIS) forms part of the SAAO - which is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa. Until recently each business unit had a library service that operated independently. With the formation of the NRF Knowledge Center (KC) this is set to change. Previously it was possible for a library service to conduct its processes and procedures in isolation as long as the LIS aligned with the business unit. This paper covers the study that investigated the needs and possible guidelines for an e-Strategy for the SAAO LIS that is both aligned to the broader NRF strategy but which also incorporates recommendations to upgrade the library products and services offering. The pool of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) -based products and services is growing. ‘Upgrading’ therefore requires that it is acknowledged that ICT provides essential infrastructure for the relevant the library. Library focused trends show continuous development. Bringing the SAAO LIS up to standard will require that these developments are continuously monitored for relevance and incorporation. This paper provides information about the SAAO LIS and its history. Both ‘SWOT’ and ‘PESTEL’ analyses were used to direct the discussion on the internal and external influences on the SAAO LIS. The analyses also provided insight into the challenges the SAAO LIS faces, the strengths that could be capitalized and the opportunities that could be exploited. The paper recommends that the SAAO LIS, before engaging in a strategic change, addresses the challenges of sustainable funding and accessibility to core resources. It is also recommends that the SAAO LIS uses its e-Strategy to ‘fast track’ the process of bringing it up to the standard required of world-class astronomy libraries.
Highlights
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), a National Research Foundation (NRF) facility, is the South African national resource for optical/infrared astronomy
The Library and Information Service (LIS) of the SAAO is seen as an integral part of the facility as it provides the research staff with access to essential information and tools that allow them to function as informed professionals within their community
This research only focused on the SAAO library collection and current library system prior to 2015 as per the status perceived by the researcher and benchmarked with senior staff at the SAAO
Summary
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), a National Research Foundation (NRF) facility, is the South African national resource for optical/infrared astronomy. Its primary function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics It provides a world-class facility that promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa, but it connects South African astronomical research to the rest of the world. Any strategic actions adopted by the library need to contribute to the NRF’s strategic direction and should assist in achieving the NRF’s corporate goals This e-Strategy case study was conducted in 2014 and NRF’s 2012-2015 annual performance plan ([1])was applicable, stating its vision as: “ensuring research excellence within a transformed research workforce, and a sustainable environment, for the benefit of the present generation and for future generations of South Africans.”. It especially appears that the LIS of the SAAO has not stayed aligned with the technological developments in either the library sector or with the changes that the rest of the SAAO has experienced. It is anticipated that the opportunities, brought about by changes in technology, may need to be investigated in considerable detail
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