Are academic libraries utilized to produce engaged alumni?
Pages | 200-206 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-09-2017-0096 |
Published date | 11 June 2018 |
Date | 11 June 2018 |
Author | Andrew S. Griffith,Ceire Kealty |
Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Are academic libraries utilized to
produce engaged alumni?
Andrew S. Griffith
Department of Accounting, Iona College, New Rochelle, New York, USA, and
Ceire Kealty
Iona College, New Rochelle, New York, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explain the relationship alumni may have with their institution’s
library and its effect on student success, which, in turn, produces more engaged alumni.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper provides a base interaction model that describes this relationship.
Findings –Libraries are well positioned to not only engage current students but to establish the foundation
for these students to become engaged alumni.
Originality/value –This base relationship model may help with advocating for secure funds of libraries
and/or a higher priority for fundraising.
Keywords Student retention, Student success, Academic library, Engaged alumni, Engaged students,
Library fundraising
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
Many academic libraries have experienced and will most likely continue to experience
difficulties with securing appropriate funding (Citti and Zuccoli, 2013; Crumpton, 2016;
Doan and Morris, 2012; Rader, 2000; Guarria, 2011; Thorpe et al., 2016). The mission of the
academic library has remained largely unchanged but its operating medium has evolved
to include the digital environment (Crumpton, 2016). Even though many of today’s
students engage with their libraries digitally (Granfield and Robertson, 2008; Thompson,
2012), Allison (2015) documents that libraries play a positive role in student retention and
their grades. Despite this evidence, funding for academic libraries is routinely at risk
(Menchaca, 2014).
To date, a limited amount of research has been published that describes the influences
alumni have on students via the academic libraries in higher education institutions.
The purpose of this paper is to explain the relationship alumni may have with their
institution’s library and its effect on student success, which, in turn, produces more engaged
alumni. This paper provides a base interaction model that describes this relationship.
To produce this model, past research related to this relationship is reviewed.
Literature review
Stakeholder theory recognizes that anyone or entity with a legitimate interest in the
activities and decisions of an organization should be considered independently “and not
merely because of “some stakeholders’” ability to further the interests of others”(Donaldson
and Preston, 1995, p. 67). As stakeholders, alumni clearly have a vested interest in the
decisions and activities of their academic institutions.
According to Matasar (2008), academic institutions have a fiduciary obligation to all of
their stakeholders (but on a hierarchical basis) because each institution holds its resources
in trust for every stakeholder. From this perspective, the stakeholder who will benefit needs
to be identified prior to determining any course of action.
Others assert that one group or goal should not take priority at the expense of others
(e.g. Zientara, 2017). More in line with corporate social responsibility (CSR), Guthrie (2016)
Library Management
Vol. 39 No. 3/4, 2018
pp. 200-206
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-09-2017-0096
Received 17 September 2017
Revised 17 September 2017
Accepted 7 November 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
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