The factors influencing American academic library directors' approaches to evaluating change in the information age

Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paperConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

This study examined how American academic library directors evaluated change in the information age and the factors influencing the approaches used. Bolman and Deal's reframing change model provided the foundation for this research. An online survey was sent to 1,010 academic library directors in the United States. The response rate was 59%. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The collected quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (chi-square tests and correlations). Many directors used single and dual approaches to evaluate change. The human resource approach was the most frequently used single approach. Chi-square test and correlation analysis confirmed that demographics, human capital and library variables played significant roles in evaluating change. Correlation results showed that directors who were males, or worked for a higher academic degree institution, or at universities with higher enrollment, were more likely to use multiple approaches to evaluate change than their counterparts. Directors who held more different professional positions, or oversaw more subordinates, or worked for a higher academic degree institution, were more likely than their counterparts to use dual and multiple approaches to evaluate change. Directors may use the results to reflect on different options of the strategies for evaluating change and balance the weight of the factors' influences. The results may also help librarians better understand various approaches to evaluating change in the information age.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication6th SILF 2012
Subtitle of host publicationSmart City and Library Services
EditorsShanghai Library
Place of PublicationShanghai, China
PublisherShanghai Scientific and Technological Literature Publishing House
Pages372-384
Number of pages13
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventShanghai International Library Forum (SILF) - Shanghai, China, China
Duration: 17 Jul 201219 Jul 2012

Conference

ConferenceShanghai International Library Forum (SILF)
Country/TerritoryChina
Period17/07/1219/07/12

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The factors influencing American academic library directors' approaches to evaluating change in the information age'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this