Environmental scanning: an essential tool for twenty‐first century librarianship

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to highlight important aspects of environmental scanning (ES). As a managerial tool of high utility, ES may assist library professionals – at all levels – proactively assess and respond to change in the technological, demographic, economic and social environments that may have a future impact on the library profession and stakeholder services.

Design/methodology/approach

This article deepens the library literature related to the methodology of ES with concepts and ideas derived from the relevant management literature.

Findings

Based on an in‐depth review of the library literature, the evidence suggests that librarians have not the used ES techniques consistently or systematically to manage change.

Research limitations/implications

While the results of this literature review imply that ES is underutilized as a tool to manage change in the library environment, it is entirely possible that practicing librarians actually utilize ES far more frequently than a review of the library literature suggests. Additional survey‐studies addressing this concern will be required to resolve this important question.

Originality/value

This article provides useful information related to the importance of ES and the related methodology required to build a comprehensive ES initiative. In addition, the paper introduces the reader to the innovative goal of coordinating ES initiatives on a global scale. This is presented with a view toward developing cooperative programs and approaches that may increase the viability of our profession and strengthen our collective ability to increase stakeholder satisfaction.

Citation

Castiglione, J. (2008), "Environmental scanning: an essential tool for twenty‐first century librarianship", Library Review, Vol. 57 No. 7, pp. 528-536. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530810894040