Change management in an academic library in the knowledge economy
- Authors: Du Plessis, Tanya , Mabunda, Tiyani Tyson
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Change management , Academic library , Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/123950 , uj:20855 , Citation: Du Plessis, T & Mabunda, T.T. 2016. Change management in an academic library in the knowledge economy. , Citation: Mabunda, TT... https://www.uj.ac.za/library , https://www.uj.ac.za/library
- Description: Abstract: In the knowledge economy, knowledge is channelled in new ways which brings about changes to the structure and function of an organisation. Organisations such as academic libraries often introduce innovations in delivery of information services to clients which entail the use of information and communication technology. Current growth in technological applications is enabling academic libraries to change the way they deliver services to clients. Technological applications continuously redefine how academic library collections are used. This article investigates how change in terms of technology is managed in a decentralised academic library in a higher education institution of South Africa. The study was placed within a qualitative research paradigm. A case study design presented the research providing the opportunity to analyse the perception and experience of participants and ensured that real life events were investigated. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data. The most significant finding of this study is the emphasis on the importance of change management in academic libraries and the need for effective communication in order to achieve low resistance to change from academic library staff.
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Analysing change management for a decentralised academic library in the knowledge economy
- Authors: Mabunda, Tiyani Tyson
- Date: 2014-10-20
- Subjects: Knowledge economy , Academic libraries - Management , Organizational change
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12445
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , In the knowledge economy, the service delivery models, organisational structure and staffing, facilities, and workflows and procedures in academic libraries are changing continuously. Current technological growth and advancement is enabling academic libraries to change the way they deliver service to clients, redefining the academic library collection in order to meet the changing needs of clients and remain relevant. The focus of the study presented in this minor dissertation is to analyse and understand how change in terms of technology is managed in a decentralised academic library in a higher education institution (HEI) of South Africa. Change is something that is happening in most organisations on a daily basis, and academic libraries should be active in responding to change because of the vital role in supporting teaching, learning and research at HEI level. If the academic library can manage change in a planned manner, they would progress in effectively meeting the information needs of their clients. This study was placed within a qualitative research paradigm. A case study design presented the study with the opportunity to analyse the feelings, opinion and experience of the participants and ensured that the real life events are investigated. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data for the purpose of this study. The most significant finding of this study is the emphasis on the importance of change management in the library and the need for effective communication in order to achieve low employee resistance to change. The majority of the research participants felt that technological change is improving the level of library service to clients. The findings enabled the researcher to make recommendations for future change practice in academic libraries.
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