Innovation In Academic Libraries Research Articles

Editorial: “Digital services for scholarship innovation in academic libraries”

Editorial: “Digital services for scholarship innovation in academic libraries”

The influence of the reward culture on client-led service innovation in academic libraries of Uganda

PurposeClient-led service innovation has gained currency in academic libraries owing to ever-shifting client preferences. Library clients are interested in determining which services libraries should offer to meet their information needs. Several studies have investigated service innovation or improvement in libraries with an emphasis on client involvement. However, it is not clear whether the reward culture influences client-focused service innovation in the context of Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis multiple-case study triangulated data from a survey of 80 staff members, three semi-structured interviews conducted with three library heads, and data from institutional documents. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.FindingsThe results indicated that the financial reward culture did not influence client-led service innovation in any way; instead, non-financial rewards had an impact. Therefore, library managers need to appreciate that clients are no longer interested in financial rewards, but rather in non-financial rewards that have enduring value.Originality/valueThe study underscores the importance of client-led services in an information environment that has been invaded by industry 4.0 and calls upon librarians to use the opportunity to provide innovative services.

Knowledge Conversion Abilities and Innovative Work Behavior of Indonesian Academic Librarians

This study aims to investigate the connection between knowledge conversion abilities and innovative work behavior among academic librarians. It was undertaken due to the scarcity of information on the knowledge conversion capabilities of academic librarians and their association with innovative work behavior. This study conducted quantitative research using a survey questionnaire to collect data from 320 academic librarians working in public and private universities in Indonesia. The study found that academic librarians reported engaging in all four knowledge conversion processes, with combination being the most frequently used, followed by externalization and internalization. Additionally, academic librarians reported being engaged in both types of innovation, but more involved in service innovation than process innovation. The study found that externalization, combination, and internalization were positively related to innovative work behavior, but socialization was not significantly related. The study emphasizes the need for infrastructure and competencies support for librarians to foster knowledge conversion and access to knowledge management tools. A conducive work environment is essential for innovation in academic libraries, and relevant authorities need to provide adequate support. Moreover, this research enhances our understanding of the role of knowledge conversion abilities and innovative work behavior in the context of Indonesian academic libraries.

Knowledge Sharing and Service Innovation in Academic Libraries

Innovation is becoming a survival strategy for academic libraries, which strive to preserve their relevance and contribution. Knowledge sharing (KS) is believed to be an important factor in creating innovative capabilities and improving innovation. Yet, only scant empirical research has investigated the possible effect of KS on service innovation (SEI). This study adopted a research model to analyze the effect of KS on SEI as well as the mediating effects of information technology innovation (ITI) and management innovation (MIN) on the relationship between KS and SEI. The results are derived using a data set from two large academic libraries in Egypt. Although KS has a significant total effect on SEI, its role in augmenting SEI is only secondary since it depends mainly on the mediating roles of ITI and MIN. These results are interesting because they deviate from the assumptions and results of many previous studies on KS and SEI.

Evaluation of the extent of librarians’ innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria

This study examined the extent of librarians‟ innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The study employed survey research design. The population comprised 391 academic librarians from public and private university libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The sample size of 196 was determined using Krejcie Morgan (1970) sample size determination Table. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to determined participants. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach‟s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.79 to 0.84. A returned rate of 97.4% was achieved. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed data. The result revealed that the extent of librarians‟ innovation in academic libraries is high with weighted mean (x score of 3.91. Among the barriers to innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria are limited resources and investment, and lack of structured policies as indicated by the respondents (>70%). Therefore, the study recommended that University management in South-West, Nigeria should made available enough funds and technological infrastructure to enhance library management in the introduction and sustenance of innovation program/services. Similarly, library management should create structured policies on innovation for improved library services.

Innovation in European Academic Libraries – Leadership Perspective

Academic libraries are considered static organizations that are not eager to innovate because of the lack of innovative culture; however, the current study demonstrated that innovation in academic libraries is not as rare as expected. This study analyzed data from nine semi-structured interviews with European academic library directors. The study’s goal is to map respondents’ approach toward innovation: how innovation is seen and managed in libraries. The findings show that all study libraries are involved in innovative activities, and their leaders are encouraging innovation through empowering their staff. Library directors consider innovation as part of their library’s strategy.

Research and Development (R&D), Creativity and Innovation in Academic Libraries in Malawi: A Way To Rethink Library Development in the 21st Century

Noting the technological changes in the 21st century, academic libraries have been striving hard to remain competitive and relevant in their operations by providing transformative products, services and adopting best library practices to hype the whole process of service delivery. University libraries in the millennium age must meet the needs of a contemporary and pluralistic society with some sort of agility. In a technologically driven environment, library research and development, creativity and innovation are catchwords and they have been essential elements in restructuring library products and services for effective service delivery and best customer experience. This study explored the significance of RD and electronic catalogues and portals. It was also discovered that with R&D, creativity and innovation, UNILIA libraries are able to adapt the rapidly technological changing environment, and improve existing products and services while at the same time exploiting new opportunities and trends in the library and information science. Major issues obstructing the pursuit of library R&D, creativity and innovation in UNILIA libraries include lack of research and innovation policies, lack of a well-established research and innovation center, unpredictable changes in the 21st century technological landscape, and university culture that doesn’t support research and innovation.

BLDE (Deemed to be University) central library as an ICT HUB of resources & services

During the second half of the twentieth century, many researchers and practitioners have claimed that libraries in academic institutions must make dramatic changes or face the possibility of being marginalized. In a study of innovation in academic libraries, Clayton stated that “innovation is no longer an option but a necessity”. Libraries and information centers are playing an important role in keeping well informed these organizations and the society as whole, with most up-to-date information. Therefore services provided by such information centers are very significant. Also in this IT era, the role of the libraries and information centers has been changed drastically. They have to deal with all types of novel technology. They have to be familiar with the new and universal trends in handling the information and providing prompt as well as accurate services. In field of higher education, the Academic Libraries have vital role to play. The Central Library of BLDE (Deemed to be University) (Medical),Vijayapur is a leading medical library in Karnataka, shouldering its responsibility towards catering the information requirements of upcoming doctors in the field of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, ENT,OBG etc.. In my paper, taking BLDE (Deemed to be University)’s Central Library as a case study, an attempt has been made to highlight the innovative practices adopted in the mode of delivering the library services for the Research, Consultancy and Innovative practices adopted to satisfy the ever changing needs of the users of the modern ICT era. Keywords: Innovation Practices, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Central Library, Higher education.

Makerspace as Emerging Technology and Innovation in Academic Libraries: A Call for Adoption in Abubakar Tafawa University Library Bauchi

This study was conducted to examine makerspace as emerging technology and innovation in academic libraries: a call for adoption in ATBU library, Bauchi. Bauchi state, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised of 26 ATBU academic librarians.Survey research method was adopted for the study. Questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. Frequency counts and simple percentages were used in analysing the data collected. The study revealed that academic librarians of ATBU are unaware of makerspace as a new emerging technology and as such a call for its adoption is paramount. Highlight of some benefits for adoption of makerspace in libraries were made which includes, Increased motivation of academic librarians and students, enhanced learning activity among academic librarians and users, and create interdisciplinary teamwork among the academic librarians and library users. The study recommended among others, Academic librarians should embrace the new emerging technology and participate fully through training on the new technology and bring about the development of Makerspace in their libraries. This will also go a long way in creating and sharing of new ideas among themselves

Antecedents and consequences of library service innovation: An investigation into Brazilian academic libraries

This study seeks to examine the relationship between the antecedents and consequences of service innovation in academic libraries. More specifically, the proposed conceptual framework investigates the influence of organizational-related, operational-related, and co-creation-related antecedents in library service innovation and, consequently, in library performance. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically to Brazilian academic library personnel at Brazilian public universities to collect the primary data. The final sample comprised of 151 academic libraries. Results indicate that leadership and culture-climate are essential to foster an atmosphere of innovation in academic libraries. Moreover, employee capabilities promote user and frontline involvement in service innovation. Lastly, user involvement supports both incremental and radical service innovations, whereas frontline involvement only contributes to incremental innovation. The article presents theoretical and managerial implications for academic libraries.

The Impact of Knowledge Management on Innovation in Academic Libraries

In an ever-changing environment, innovation is a key concern for nearly every organization, including libraries. Innovation is not necessarily spontaneous; in fact, workplace factors including knowledge preservation and management can have both positive and negative impacts on the innovativeness of organizations. But how can knowledge management translate into innovation? What kind of knowledge do knowledge management systems capture? And most importantly, why should academic libraries care? This paper aims to assess the impact of knowledge management tools on innovation within an academic library context and highlight areas of further research. Based on the literature reviewed, common findings include that an effective KM system supports innovation and learning within organizations, and that there are several variables within the framework of KM which can increase the effectiveness of the KM system. These variables include the use of KM tools for staff and customers alike, cooperative and supportive management attitudes, and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to codify and share knowledge between institutions.

A qualitative study of barriers to innovation in academic libraries in Taiwan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore innovation barriers in academic libraries. Through analysis of barriers to innovation, the authors can further elucidate the nature of innovation in academic library settings, which can help remove factors that hamper innovation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative case study to explore the innovation processes for two academic libraries, this study includes interviews with 28 interviewees, from senior leadership positions to practical librarians, to analyze the barriers to innovation they have experienced.FindingsBuilding on a literature review, this study proposes a barrier to innovation framework for academic libraries. The qualitative findings identified two specific barrier types that academic libraries face, environmental and organizational barriers, identifying 19 barrier factors that intertwine to yield seven dimensions across the two levels of analysis. It is advised that library leadership team should both encourage innovative behaviors and eliminate the innovation barriers to enhance library innovation capacities.Originality/valueThe insights from this study can help the library managers of academic libraries to develop preemptive actions for dealing with various barrier scenarios, and thereby enhance possibilities of successful innovations.

Fostering Innovation in Academic Libraries Through Knowledge Creation

Knowledge management (KM) and innovation have been recognized as critical success factors for libraries since 1990s and 1980s, respectively; however, neither is easily achieved. In this context, the current study aims to explore – using structural equation modeling – the extent to which various organizational, technological, and personal factors influence the creation of new knowledge and innovation in academic libraries. More specifically, vision and goals, culture, and structure (formalization and centralization) are explored in terms of organizational factors; IT support is examined in the technological context; and human resources skills and perceptions toward KM are investigated in terms of personal factors. For the collection of primary data a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically to Greek academic library personnel. The final sample comprised 312 professionals from 28 libraries. Results indicate that a visionary leadership facilitates the creation of new knowledge through fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and learning, providing opportunities for taking initiatives, and creating the appropriate technological environment. All these help libraries develop innovative services, thus responding more quickly and effectively to their changing external environment. Most importantly, library leaders should focus on building a common vision that will guide necessary practices and changes for innovation to be achieved.

Effect of knowledge management on service innovation in academic libraries

Effective management of all knowledge in an organization is a key criterion for innovation. Academic libraries are beginning to realize the importance of knowledge management in this regard. However, there are no quantitative studies studying knowledge management and service innovation in the context of libraries. Islam, Agarwal and Ikeda arrived at a framework for knowledge management for service innovation in academic libraries (KMSIL). Through a survey of 107 librarians from 39 countries, this study investigates the effect of knowledge management (and knowledge management cycle phases) on service innovation. The study found that knowledge capture/creation and knowledge application/use both significantly impact service innovation in academic libraries. The effect of knowledge/sharing and transfer on innovation was found to be insignificant. The study also demonstrated the relationship between the knowledge management phases. The findings support the KMSIL framework. They should help academic libraries in the process of service innovation by utilizing phases of the knowledge management cycle.

Determinants of Service Innovation in Academic Libraries through the Lens of Disruptive Innovation

With the development of digital technologies, various disruptive innovations have emerged that are gradually replacing academic libraries in the information-seeking process. As academic libraries become less relevant to their users, it is imperative that they develop strategies to respond to disruption. We highlight the fact that the service mission of academic libraries is in alignment with service innovation and propose that academic libraries respond to disruption by accelerating service innovation. Applying the Resources-Processes-Values framework, we recommend that, to facilitate service innovation, high-level administrators become innovation leaders, foster an innovation-supportive culture, tie performance evaluations and rewards to innovation outcomes, and create dedicated innovation teams with high levels of decision-making autonomy. We also recommend that academic libraries involve their users and build partnerships with other libraries and with commercial communities to bring about service innovation necessary to respond to disruption.

Determinants of Service Innovation in Academic Libraries through the Lens of Disruptive Innovation

With the development of digital technologies, various disruptive innovations have emerged that are gradually replacing academic libraries in the information-seeking process. As academic libraries become less relevant to their users, it is imperative that they develop strategies to respond to disruption. We highlight the fact that the service mission of academic libraries is in alignment with service innovation and propose that academic libraries respond to disruption by accelerating service innovation. Applying the Resources-Processes-Values framework, we recommend that, to facilitate service innovation, high-level administrators become innovation leaders, foster an innovation-supportive culture, tie performance evaluations and rewards to innovation outcomes, and create dedicated innovation teams with high levels of decision-making autonomy. We also recommend that academic libraries involve their users and build partnerships with other libraries and with commercial communities to bring about service innovation necessary to respond to disruption.

Playing with LEGO®, Learning about the Library, and “Making” Campus Connections: The Rutgers University Art Library Lego Playing Station, Part One

ABSTRACTAs libraries continue to grow and change in the 21st century, we are seeing an increased emphasis on outreach, engagement, creativity, and innovation for academic libraries. These ideas are crucial to the future of academic libraries and makerspaces are one way for academic libraries to realize these ideas. Makerspaces can be affordable, don't need to take up a lot of space, and have potential to be catalysts for creating partnerships within one's community. Engaging making events can stimulate broader conversations among library patrons and library employees as well as a way for library liaisons to connect with their faculty, students, and staff.

Conceptualizing value co-creation for service innovation in academic libraries

For the academic library to remain relevant to its users, it must redefine its role in the digital environment and innovate to create responsive and convenient services. It must work actively not just to create value for the user but to involve the user in value co-creating value for service innovation. In this theoretical work, we conceptualize the business concept of value co-creation in the context of libraries and propose a framework of value co-creation for service innovation in academic libraries. With guidance on value co-creation in an academic library environment, and library actors mapped to the co-creation cycle, libraries can use the framework to offer new library services to user communities. The framework also provides a basis for further research in this area.

Knowledge management for service innovation in academic libraries: a qualitative study

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strategies thatlibrarians employ to ensure quality of service, the ways and barriers forservice innovation, and the likelihood of adopting knowledge management forservice innovation in libraries (KMSIL).Design/methodology/approach– In total, 17 academic librarians filled out a qualitative surveywith open-ended questions.Findings– Most librarians saw service innovation as critical to thecontinuing success of the library, and felt that knowledge management (KM)would be extremely helpful for service innovation in their libraries. Theproposed strategies and findings led to a theoretical framework of KMSIL.Originality/value– Though exploratory in nature, this is the first study thatcombines service innovation with KM from the perceptive of academic librariansand has important implications for theory and practice. The proposedtheoretical framework could serve as the basis for a deeper study and furtherresearch in this area.

How does knowledge management affect service innovation in academic libraries?: A survey study

ABSTRACTEffective management of all knowledge produced within an organization is frequently identified as a key criteria for innovation of new products and services within the organization. Academic libraries are beginning to realize the importance of knowledge management (KM) in this regard. However, there aren't any quantitative studies studying KM and service innovation in the context of libraries. Islam, Agarwal and Ikeda came up with a framework for knowledge management for service innovation in academic libraries (KMSIL). Through a survey of 107 librarians from 39 countries, this study seeks to investigate the effect of KM (and each phase of the KM cycle) on service innovation. Preliminary findings support the KMSIL framework. They should help academic libraries in the process of service innovation by utilizing phases of the KM cycle.