Wa! The wú wéi academic librarian
| Published date | 10 January 2008 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120810844685 |
| Date | 10 January 2008 |
| Pages | 104-115 |
| Author | Anita M.M. Liu |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Wa! The wu
´we
´iacademic
librarian
Anita M.M. Liu
Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong, China
Abstract
Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the integration of the Western concept of dynamic
equilibrium and wa, the Eastern concept of harmony, and how wu
´we
´i(maintaining centrality, hence,
stability, in a dynamic environment) is fundamental to the sustainable development of the library
system in a harmonious manner.
Design/methodology/approach – The Western concept of self and the Chinese Taoist concepts of
change and stability are used to examine the role of the human being – the librarian – in the
constantly evolving environment.
Findings – The paper finds that four competing values faced by the librarian are based on the needs
to adopt internal focus, external focus, flexibility and control. The four competing values generate
issues confronting the academic librarian. Frustration – what challenges and pressures do academic
librarians currently face in the university environment specifically? History and destiny – what
lessons can the history of libraries in universities give us about their future role in the scholarly
community? Constraints – what are the possible environmental barriers which might prevent
librarians working dynamically in parallel with or ahead of university “strategists”, to secure their
vision as key players in tomorrow’s academy? Conflicting forces from library stakeholders are
analysed in a competing values model which encompasses the elements of organisation systems and
organisational culture.
Originality/value – The competing values framework provides the basis for formulating a research
agenda to investigate the central role played by university libraries in the societal development of
human-kind.
Keywords Academic libraries, Change management,Organizational change, Socialenvironment
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
Throughout history, libraries have been central to universities and, thence, the
preservation and development of knowledge. For Aristotle and Plato, the professor sat
in the chair and delivered his wisdom to the audience orally; as directed by the
professor, the reader stood at the lectern and read passages from the book(s) to
supplement the professor’s oratory.
However, knowledge and views have never been popular universally and so,
throughout history, repositories have been “purged” by powers who held views and
had interests at variance with those recorded. As knowledge evolves, views (gradually)
change – but seldom in welcoming and smooth ways, as experienced by Galileo. Those
who assume the role of custodian of the records of knowledge have, on many occasions,
found themselves in direct and grave danger.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
The paper is partially supported by RGC CERG HKU7122/03E.
LM
29,1/2
104
Received 3 April 2007
Accepted 20 May 2007
Library Management
Vol. 29 No. 1/2, 2008
pp. 104-115
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120810844685
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