The higher education environment driving academic library strategy: A political, economic, social and technological (PEST) analysis

Abstract

The higher education environment is a key operating context for academic libraries and many political, economic, social and technological (PEST) factors shape it. This article examines these factors, their influence on higher education during the past two decades and their implications for libraries. Library literature tends to cover the higher education environment peripherally despite its influence. Using the established PEST analysis methodology, the article foregrounds higher education throughout and finds major ongoing changes across all four dimensions globally, creating challenges and opportunities for libraries. The conclusion notes briefly some possible future implications of the global coronavirus crisis and highlights the importance for library operations and strategy of monitoring and understanding developments in higher education.