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Dissertation Information for Judith Senkevitch

NAME:
- Judith Senkevitch

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Rutgers University (USA) (1989)

ADVISORS:
- Herbert R. Kells

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Hendrik Edelman
- Duane E. Webster
- Lea Stewart

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Consequences of innovation: Perceptions and correlates of change after systematic assessment and planning in small academic libraries

Abstract: Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, this study explores the perceived consequences of implementing the Association for Research Libraries' 1980 Planning Program for Small Academic Libraries (PPSAL) at twenty-six small colleges and universities within the past decade. Data collection methodology included content analysis of library planning reports and sixty-eight structured telephone interviews with library directors, chief academic officers, and faculty respondents at the subject institutions.

Three consequences most frequently described were major library improvements, more favorable attention for the library from the college community, and improved quality and effectiveness of library services and programs. In a majority of cases, however, PPSAL did not appear to instigate continuing systematic library assessment and planning.

There was a range of perceived outcomes from PPSAL projects, including cases where the impact was seen as highly positive, significant, and long-term, and instances where PPSAL was viewed as having had virtually no long-term effect. Based on these perceived outcomes, the organizations studied clustered into groups with distinct characteristics. The differences in perceived outcomes were not explained by organizational size, location, the presence of a recently hired director, or the chairmanship of the PPSAL study committee.

The findings of this study suggest that the outcome of an assisted assessment and planning program in small academic libraries is positively related to the state of organizational readiness for change at the time of the program and to the presence of certain key organizational properties. Organizational characteristics that favor positive, long-term outcomes are: institutional commitment or receptivity to change, a "politically sensitive" library director as defined in this study, library staff openness towards change, and a positive relationship between the library and the academic community. In the presence of these organizational properties, an innovation incentive which offers continuing rewards for implementation intensifies positive outcomes. Finally, the emergence of an overriding institution-wide problem during or after the assessment and planning program will intervene in this relationship between positive outcomes and the presence of key organizational properties including readiness for change.

MPACT Scores for Judith Senkevitch

A = 0
C = 2
A+C = 2
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:09:58

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