Strategic Management and Situational Awareness in Academic Libraries

Abstract

This special issue of College & Research Libraries addresses strategic management in academic libraries. Sounds impressive but what does this mean, really? The literature on strategic management in libraries or even in the management and business literature ranges broadly on this topic. It seems to be full of buzzwords and phrases—like stakeholders and competitive advantage—that are very relevant to a business environment but have no traction in an educational or public service setting. However, jargon aside, there are certainly lessons to be learned. There is no denying that these precepts from the business world are influencing what is going on in higher education and gaining a more strategic understanding of academic librarianship can only help.