Restructuring for relevance: a paradigm shift for academic libraries
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-06-2017-0062 |
| Date | 13 August 2018 |
| Published date | 13 August 2018 |
| Pages | 418-429 |
| Author | Reggie Raju,Jill Claassen,Amina Adam,Alexander DAngelo,Sadiq Keraan,Niel Mostert,Saskia Vonk |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Restructuring for relevance:
a paradigm shift for
academic libraries
Reggie Raju, Jill Claassen, Amina Adam, Alexander DAngelo,
Sadiq Keraan, Niel Mostert and Saskia Vonk
Libraries, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a flexible and robust academic
library structure that meets the demands of an ever changing user community and remains relevant and fit
for purpose in a technology-driven age. The new structure makes provision for the delivery of new and
innovative services responding to the need for a paradigm shift in twenty-first century academic
librarianship. The move away from subject librarianship, which has been the bastion of South African
academic librarianship, is significant.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper used the exploratory method to gain new insights into
library structures that have restructured for the twenty-first century. The exploratory study was used to gain
new insights into functional librarianship. Despite the short comings of the exploratory method, the method
was deemed most appropriate as UCT Libraries was not seeking definitive answers but a process that would
provide opportunities to explore possibilities for subsequent processes.
Findings –The move from subject librarianship to functional librarianship has given the library the
opportunity to restructure. The restructured library can now offer new and/or radically expanded services to
meet the demands of a twenty-first century academic library.
Practical implications –The development of new and future roles and responsibilities commensurate with
a robust and “future-driven”structure will consolidate the library’s role as a collaborator in the teaching and
learning, and research agendas of a higher education institution.
Originality/value –This paper will be of interest and value to library managers and staff wanting to
develop a library structure that responds positively to the redefinition of the professional roles and functions
of the library and to strategically position the academic library for the future. It will also be of interest to
library and information science academics who may want to re-examine their curricula for the incorporation
of new trends.
Keywords Scholarly communication, Clinical librarianship, Functional librarianship, Library as publisher,
Library restructuring, Subject librarianship
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Highereducation institutionsin recent decadeshave been subjectto a tsunami of change,much
of which has impacted directly on the role and function of academic libraries. The growth of
the interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning and research, the pedagogical shift
of education from domesticator to liberator (Raju and Schoombee, 2014), the “massification”
and “universification”or globalisation of higher education and such has driven institutionsof
higher learning to realigntheir new research production profile, which wouldinclude research
production a t the undergrad uate level. Th ese changing t rends in highe r education mu st be
viewed against the backdrop of reduced government support for the sector and the consequent
intensifying competition for limited resources, the quest for flexible modes of delivery of
education aided by modern technology and the proliferation of educational resources and
resource formats (Sputore et al., 2015, p. 5). At the epicentre of this higher education paradigm
change is the rapid development of relevant technology. The swift development of
commensurate technology has significantly influenced the shaping of the higher education
landscape:the academic libraryis not exempt from theinfluence of technology,in fact, it ought
to be adding a new layer in support of the changing higher education landscape.
Library Management
Vol. 39 No. 6/7, 2018
pp. 418-429
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-06-2017-0062
Received 26 June 2017
Revised 16 April 2018
Accepted 16 April 2018
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
418
LM
39,6/7
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