Designing a Conceptual Framework for Digital Transformation Leadership in University Libraries

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assisitant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Msc, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30473/mrs.2025.73770.1609

Abstract

Digital transformation in academic libraries refers to the use of modern technologies to improve access to information resources, facilitate research processes, and enhance user experience. Academic libraries, with their expertise and mindset for adopting new technologies, engage in activities such as digital preservation, digital archiving, and digital curation. Therefore, the role of academic libraries in the digital transformation of universities is highly significant. Only those universities that remain up-to-date and leverage digital capabilities will be able to achieve effective digital transformation and continue to thrive in the digital age. The aim of this research is to identify the components that constitute the conceptual framework for digital transformation leadership in academic libraries. This research is applied in nature and aims to identify the components of digital transformation leadership in academic libraries through a survey method. To identify the factors influencing digital transformation leadership in academic libraries, a fuzzy Delphi questionnaire was designed. The validity and reliability were assessed and confirmed based on the opinions of experts and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The statistical population of this study consists of the managers of academic libraries in Tehran, including the University of Tehran, Alzahra University, Shahid Beheshti University, and Kharazmi University. Data analysis was conducted using Excel 2016 and its advanced functions. To accurately identify the factors influencing digital transformation in academic libraries, a fuzzy Delphi method was employed, with a consensus acceptance level of 5 for a factor and a threshold difference level of 0.2 between the two rounds of surveys. After collecting the opinions of experts, the views were aggregated, and the significance of the consensus on 50 recognized factors was examined at three levels: average, fuzzy average, and definitive average. Eleven factors that had a calculated arithmetic mean above 3 and a definitive mean above 0.5 were identified, namely: “relationships with software and information technology providers,” “defining roles and responsibilities to achieve a digital vision,” “enhancing a spirit of collaboration and participation,” “establishing clear, measurable goals and outcomes,” “relationships with suppliers and customers,” “monitoring digital actions and implementing corrective measures,” “creating mechanisms for transparency and building trust among key stakeholders,” “strengthening a sense of accountability,” “commitment to digital technology,” “relationships with management consultants,” and “increasing the speed of decision-making,” were confirmed by the experts. The dimensions constituting the conceptual framework of digital transformation leadership were identified and examined across five dimensions: “Planning and Coordination,” “Monitoring and Control,” “Digital Partners,” “Digital Leadership and Management,” and “Digital Culture.” Based on the results, eleven influential factors were identified, which are components of digital partners, planning and coordination, digital leadership, and monitoring and control. Notably, no factors from the component of digital culture were observed.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Abayomi, O. K., Adenekan, F. N., Abayomi, A. O., Ajayi, T. A., & Adesina, A. O. (2021). wareness and perception of artificial intelligence in the management of university libraries in Nigeria. Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve, 29(1–2), 13–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/1072303X.2021.1918602​
 Akparobore, D., Omosekejimi, A. F., & Nweke, A. C. (2020). Librarians' awareness, positive attitude and ICT skills: A panacea for effective services delivery in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th IR) era in academic libraries in Southern Nigeria. Library Progress (International), 40(2), 184–194.​journals.acspublisher.com
Antonopoulou, H., Halkiopoulos, C., Barlou, O., & Beligiannis, G. N. (2021). Transformational leadership and digital skills in higher education institutes: During the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging Science Journal, 5(1), 1–15. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01252
Ashiq, M., Rehman, S. U., Safdar, M., & Ali, H. (2021). Academic library leadership in the dawn of the new millennium: A systematic literature review. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(3), 102355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2021.102355​
Baglama, B., Evcimen, E., Altinay, F., Sharma, R. C., Tlili, A., Altinay, Z., & Celebi, M. (2022). Analysis of digital leadership in school management and accessibility of animation-designed game-based learning for sustainability of education for children with special needs. Sustainability, 14(13), 7730. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137730​
Bates, A. T., & Sangrà, A. (2011). Managing technology in higher education: Strategies for transforming teaching and learning. Jossey-Bass.​
Ehlers, U. D. (2020). Digital leadership in higher education. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Leadership Studies, 1(3), 6–14. https://doi.org/10.29252/johepal.1.3.6​ResearchGate
Gholichkhani, M., Samadi Moghadam, Y., & Fathi, K. (2020). Identifying Main Dimensions of Digital Transformation Maturity at Industrial Organizations through Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Technology Development Management, 8(4), 11–47.  (In Persian). Doi:10.22104/jtdm.2021.4192.2521
 Hosseini-Nasab, S. M., Zanjani, M., & Gholipour, A. (2021). Defining a Framework for Chief Digital Officer Duties as Digital Transformation Governor in Organizations. Human Resource Studies, 11(1), 1–25. (In Persian) Doi: 10.22034/jhrs.2021.130495
Jalali, P., Salimi, M., Irannejad, P., & Ninavaei, M. (2023). Identifying digital transformation leadership factors in medical science university education and providing a model using thematic analysis. Journal of Excellence in Education and Training, 2(1), 118–141. (In Persian)
 Kooshki Jahromi, A., Hashemi, S. E., Akbari, M., Saeemi, R., & Bakhshi Kouhikhili, F. S. (2021). Challenges and barriers of digital transformation in organizations and the role of digital leadership in overcoming them. In The 18th International Management Conference, Tehran, Iran. (In Persian)
Le, B. P. (2015). Academic library leadership in the digital age. Library Management, 36(4/5), 300–314. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-07-2014-0083​Pure PSU+1ProQuest+1
McCarthy, P., Sammon, D., & Alhassan, I. (2021). Digital transformation leadership characteristics: A literature analysis. Journal of Decision Systems, 32(1), 79–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/12460125.2021.1908934​
  Norouzi, H., Nosratpanah, R., & Barani, S. (2022). The Influence of Digital Leadership on Firm Performance in Dynamic Environments: The Role of Dynamic Capabilities, Business Model Innovation, and Sustainable Competitive Advantage. Business Management, 14(3), 445–474.   (In Persian). Doi: 10.22059/jibm.2022.333405.4290
 Nouri, M., Shah Hosseini, M. A., Shami Zanjani, M., & Abedin, B. (2019). Designing a conceptual framework of digital transformation leadership in Iranian organizations. Management and Planning in Educational Systems, 12(2), 211–242. https://doi.org/10.29252/mpes.12.2.211
Okunlaya, R. O., Syed Abdullah, N., & Alias, R. A. (2022). Artificial intelligence (AI) library services innovative conceptual framework for the digital transformation of university education. Library Hi Tech, 40(6), 1869–1892. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-07-2021-0242​
 Rahmati Kohrudi, S., Shams Mourkani, G., Shami Zanjani, M., & Abolghasemi, M. (2021). A framework for explaining the competencies of digital leaders using meta-synthesis method. Human Resource Management Researches, 13(1), 9-42. (In Persian)  Dor: 20.1001.1.82548002.1400.13.1.1.5
Ratajczak, S. (2022). Digital leadership at universities – a systematic literature review. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 10(4), 133–150. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL10_NO4_7​ResearchGate+1ResearchGate+1
Tella, A., Okojie, V., Abdullahi, F., & Ajani, Y. A. (2022). The future of libraries in Nigeria during the Fourth Industrial Revolution. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 22(3), 547–558. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2022.0033​SciSpace

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 28 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 12 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 10 February 2025
  • First Publish Date: 19 February 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics