| dc.description.abstract | This research investigated the practices of strategic management in academic libraries. The paper is
based on a study that was conducted in 2009-2010. Using USIU library as a case study, it aimed to
find out the nature of shifting paradigms in information management, establish the key challenges
and ascertained how strategic management was practiced. A descriptive research design was used
with a sample size of 153 drawn from students, library and teaching staff. Descriptive, inferential
statistics and factor analysis were used. The volatility in information industry has necessitated the
application of strategic management principles in information management. This is characterized by
far-reaching impacts of ICT, paradigm shifts in users’ behavior and subsequent changes in
librarian’s roles with implications on library’s strategy development, implementation and
evaluation. Staff welfare matters and leadership are critical in successful implementation of the
desired strategy. The study concludes that strategic behavior in academic libraries is being inhibited
by the leadership behavior, structures, systems, and lack of strategy supportive policies. It
underscores the critical role played by library management in building competitive organization. It
recommends installation of appropriate leadership models for better alignment of staff goals with
those of the library. Strategic behavior should be nurtured in academic libraries through
involvement of all stakeholders in strategic management process. The study further recommends
need for clear communication and measures of institutionalizing library vision, mission, objective,
values, and timely evaluation of performance. Librarians should play a front role in reflecting
responsiveness to library’s strategic issues in their professional practice. | en_US |
