Innovation in academic libraries: An analysis of university librarians' perspectives
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Ronald C. Jantz
- Rutgers University Libraries, 169 College Avenue, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Available online 14 January 2012.
Abstract
Through a series of structured interviews, university librarians at six
institutions provided their perspectives on innovation in academic
libraries. The literature on leadership styles and organizational change
provides insight into the roles of these leaders in the innovation
process. Leadership was cited by many researchers as being a critical
factor for organizations to innovate. University librarians revealed a
commitment to innovation, some distinctively nontraditional innovations,
and a concern for how to encourage risk-taking behavior. Further
insight into the innovation process was sought by interpreting the
interview data within a larger theoretical context. Although leadership
and management can foster innovation in a library, researchers have
reported other factors that can influence the ability to innovate,
including organizational aspects – size and complexity – and
environmental factors. Beyond the organizational aspects, the
individual and the norms of the profession appear to create a framework
with certain boundaries, some of which may impact the ability to
innovate.
