Catch-22. How do academic libraries position themselves between top level management expectations and scholars hopes and dreams?
| Pages | 78-87 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-09-2016-0070 |
| Date | 14 March 2017 |
| Published date | 14 March 2017 |
| Author | Thomas Kaarsted |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Catch-22
How do academic libraries position themselves
between top level management expectations
and scholars hopes and dreams?
Thomas Kaarsted
University Library of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Abstract
Purpose –Services to researchers are a key strategic focus point for academic libraries. In many cases
these services are linked to performance management systems. However, this kind of system for
measuring scholarly research has unintended side effects and may demotivate researchers on a
number of levels. This presents somewhat of a catch-22 for research libraries. The purpose of this
paper is to describe the Bibliometric Research Indicator (BRI) in Denmark, show why the researchers
may feel demotivated, outline the dilemmas and the effects on libraries, and present a possible
course of action.
Design/methodology/approach –At least 14 countries have implemented performance management
systems for researchers. The impact has been the topic of several –primarily quantitative –studies, e.g., in
Denmark. The analysis is made by means of a qualitative study (interviews with 43 Danish researchers),
using motivation crowding as well as self-determination theory to further explore their motives and
experiences, to determine whether these factors have any influence on their experience of the BRI.
Findings –The analysis confirms earlier studies which showed that researchers as a whole do not see the
BRI as supportive and that this kind of system may have unintended side effects. Unintended side effects
include pressure, limitation of freedom, a drop in the perceived standard of research, the slicing of articles,
negative collegial behavior as well as borderline academic theft. In connection researchers do not see the
incentives or rewards given by the system as supportive.
Research limitations/implications –This BRI study is made within only one country and as these
systems tend to vary not only from country to country but also with incomparability within faculties and
institutes, further studies might expose different patterns. However, as the results fit a more general trend
within the research area, the takeaways could potentially prove useful for research libraries in general.
Furthermore it could be beneficial to research libraries in general to get a clearer understanding of the role
they play, which in part could be done by surveying them on this subject.
Practical implications –The finding presents potential dilemmas for research libraries, as they might
get caught in the crossfire between expectations or demands from the university management and the hope
and dreams from individual scholars with the risk of unintentionally alienating a key target group.
Thus, a possible course of action is outlined including focus points and target areas for libraries.
Originality/value –This paper presents original research with some key findings with a focus on the
dilemmas for research libraries with regard to BRI-like systems, strategic management and performance
measurement.
Keywords Performance measurement, Strategic management, Management issues,
Strategic communication, Future strategic dilemmas for research libraries, Motivational theory
Paper type Case study
Introduction: the argument
The introduction of performance management systems is perhaps the most common
reform strategy in the public sector universally. This is also true for the Danish university
sector, where the Bibliometric Research Indicator (BRI) constitutes such a system. At least
14 countries have implemented this kind of system (Hicks, 2012, p. 252). Services to
researchers are a key strategic focus point for academic libraries and are in many cases
these services linked to BRI-like systems. This case study on motivation, governance
and management in the Danish university sector shows, however, that this kind of system
for measuring scholarly research may have unintended side effects and may demotivate
researchers on a number of levels. This presents somewhat of a catch-22 for research
Library Management
Vol. 38 No. 2/3, 2017
pp. 78-87
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-09-2016-0070
Received 11 September 2016
Revised 3 December 2016
Accepted 2 January 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
78
LM
38,2/3
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