The management of change in information technology: Approaches of academic library directors in the United States

This study examines how academic library directors manage change in information technology and the factors influencing management approaches. Bolman and Deal's reframing change model provides the foundation for this research. An online survey was sent to 1,010 directors. 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 (bivariate crosstabulations, chi-square tests, correlations, binary and multinomial logistic regressions). Most directors used multiple and dual approaches. Human resource approach was the most frequent single approach. Correlation and regression analysis confirms that demographics, human capital, and library variables play significant roles in managing change. Regression results show that directors who served for longer periods of time were more likely to use multiple approaches. Directors may use the results to reflect on different options of management strategy and balance the weight of these influences. New librarians may better understand different management techniques and approaches.