CHANGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF

A LIBRARY 2.0. A CASE STUDY IN ECUADOR

D. Sucozhañay1, L. Sigüenza-Guzman2, C. Zhimnay3, D. Cattrysse4, M. Euwema5, K. De

Witte5
1
Faculty of Economics, University of Cuenca / Centre for Organisation and Personnel
Psychology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (BELGIUM)
2
Faculty of Engineering, University of Cuenca / Centre for Industrial Management,
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (BELGIUM)
3
ACORDES, University of Cuenca (ECUADOR)
4
Centre for Industrial Management, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (BELGIUM)
5
Centre for Organisation and Personnel Psychology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuve
(BELGIUM)
dolores.sucozhanay@ucuenca.edu.ec, lorena.siguenzaguzman@cib.kuleuven.be,
acordes@ucuenca.edu.ec, dirk.cattrysse@cib.kuleuven.be, martin.euwema@psy.kuleuven.be,
karel.dewitte@psy.kuleuven.be

Shrinking funds, new technologies and new customer requirements make urgent the need for
change and innovation in libraries especially in higher education. Because of this challenging
situation, libraries should find alternative ways to deliver their services. One of the options is
the use of Library 2.0 model. It is a revolutionary concept that encourages a constant change
due, among other things, to the use of technological tools. This includes online services such
as selective dissemination of information - SDI, forums, social networks, electronic
newsletters, enhanced OPAC - Online Public Access Catalog, virtual tour, etc. In Ecuador, the
University of Cuenca is performing the project “Institutional change to strengthen research
and education” (2007-2011) which is developed in the frame of collaboration between
University of Cuenca and Institutional University Cooperation Program - UOS of the Flemish
Inter-university Council - VLIR. One of the main objectives of this project is that the
Regional Documentation Centre “Juan Bautista Vazquez” - CDRJBV evolves towards a
Library 2.0.

Based on an analysis related to the CDRJBV' situation, several changes were planned. In the
technological area, changes were focused on: 1) the strengthening and modernization of the
technological infrastructure, 2) the development of a new Web Site, 3) the improvement and
expansion of digital databases, 4) the implementation of new services through philosophy
Library 2.0, 5) the training of library staff and users. In the organizational and policy issues,
the proposed changes were: 1) the adequacy of organizational structure, 2) optimization of
internal processes, 3) the improvement of interpersonal relationships, 4) the positioning of the
Centre both internally and externally, 5) the update of regulations.

After 3 years of project implementation, CDRJBV has obtained new physical and digital
services that follow the Library 2.0 philosophy; the new Web Site has implemented all the
new services planned; a modern technological infrastructure has enabled quick, direct and
friendly access. On the other hand, regarding the organizational part, the results are reflected
in the adaptation and adoption of new library policies and procedures, the formation of the
"Library Council" that supports and legitimizes the change process within the University. It is
also important to note that the library staff has become aware of a "need to change", resulting
in the emergence of new organizational and technological practices.
However, it should be mentioned that this process has taken much time and the results have
been only partially achieved. Despite of those troubles, important lessons should be learned.
An evolution process towards a Library 2.0 should be seen as an integral process, where
technological and organizational components are managed simultaneously. The stakeholders
of the process must be involved from the earliest stages of planning to increase the
cooperation. The library staff needs new skills and knowledge to be able to master and
acquire in order to provide these new services. In addition, technological tools implemented
have been one of the big supports during the deployment and execution stage; although their
optimal and comprehensive development is limited by the policies and processes and not by
the technological constraints.

Keywords: change management, higher education, library 2.0, academic libraries