Strategic Management Model for Academic Libraries

This study utilized the qualitative approach including content analysis of literature and in-depth interviews in order to design Strategic Management Model for Academic Libraries. The literature reviewed indicates many models for strategic management, which were generally made to suit organizations from different sectors. These models were found lack important elements that academic libraries need to connect their strategies to the overall visions and goals of their parent institutions. The Model, which is presented in the present paper therefore, attempts to bridge this gab by providing a new route for articulating and implementing strategies for academic libraries through three main stages: pre-planning stage; planning stage; and post- planning stage. The first stage starts by providing the planning team or committee with skills and knowledge of strategic management. The second stage is achieved through the fulfilment of two components of the Model: strategy formulation; and strategy implementation. The last stage however, concerns with the evaluation process of the strategy to ensure that the quality of services provided, and the performance of all library units and employees are compatible with vision and objectives of the library, and aligned with the overall goals of the Mother Institution.Comments: This paper is a part of my PhD thesis titled “Strategic Management and planning practices at Academic Libraries in Oman”, which was submitted to the University of Sheffield, UK. The Value of Model presented in this paper would be seen in new issues that are involved in its’ structure such as pre planning stage and the alignment with the parent institution strategy, which are not included clearly in other Models. Moreover, all models that the Author could reach through the literature review of library management, either describes strategic planning steps, or strategy perspectives, and none has included the whole process and components of strategic management, which was the focus of this study. The Model also contains three components which have not been seen in other models.