Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Date of this Version

12-26-2019

Abstract

Academic libraries do not operate in a vacuum, they coexist with changes, challenges and competition on all levels, therefore, strategies must be developed to ensure that academic libraries can face these challenges, become more efficient in their operations and be responsible to the needs and demands of their users. To do this requires among others an examination of both the internal library environment and the external environment (Broadhead 1991). Academic libraries must know their internal strengths, take advantage of opportunities, avoid all threats and address weaknesses. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. A SWOT analysis of an academic library will provide a framework for the library to re-strategize and embrace new knowledge management practices and processes. This study presents a SWOT analysis of the position of librarians in Knowledge Management practices and programs. It conducts an internal survey of weaknesses and strengths in the academic library and enumerates the benefits of a SWOT analysis to libraries and library professionals. It highlights aspects of SWOT analysis relevant to knowledge management and proposes areas where librarians can build on internal strengths so as to drastically reduce or completely eliminate weaknesses, and optimize opportunities in order to minimize threats from external forces. This study finally presents a SWOT analysis of the academic library as a strategic tool used to x-ray the operational prowess of libraries in order to engage and facilitate KM processes.

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