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Strategies for sustainable services in academic libraries

Dianne Cmor ( Library, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)

Library Management

ISSN: 0143-5124

Article publication date: 8 August 2016

1950

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore distinctive yet simple strategies for sustainability in academic libraries focussing on structured communication templates for stakeholders, pre-planned daily programming, and regularized, self-sustaining staff development.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study of unique strategies implemented at Nanyang Technological University Libraries.

Findings

Each of the three strategies has been successfully launched though they are at various stages of maturity. The first two strategies (structured communication templates and daily programming) have been implemented quite recently, whereas the staff development programme has been running for some time. Findings indicate that sustainability in all of these cases is directly linked to good planning which either minimizes daily, weekly or monthly work, and/or helps to clarify goals and focus action.

Practical implications

These strategies are feasible, transferable, malleable, and impactful such that other academic libraries with varying staffing structures can adopt and adjust them to their local needs.

Originality/value

Implementing simple sustainable services and strategies can have real impact and can provide alternatives to large-scale projects that may be too resource intensive for many to undertake on a regular basis.

Keywords

Citation

Cmor, D. (2016), "Strategies for sustainable services in academic libraries", Library Management, Vol. 37 No. 6/7, pp. 298-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-05-2016-0038

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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