Using business process modelling to examine academic library activities for periodicals

Abstract

Purpose -The paper's purpose is to examine the process for the acquisition of print and electronic periodicals acquisition process in academic libraries using a business process modelling technique, role activity diagram (RAD). Design/methodology/approach -A literature review examined process modelling in academic libraries. Multiple methods were used for data collection, including documentary analysis, and interviews (n ¼ 8) with library staff (mostly recorded) provided other details about the library processes. Two sites were studied. Direct observation was used occasionally as a less formal method. RAD was used as a modelling technique; this is part of the Riva business process-modelling suite (Ould). Findings -The role activity diagram examples illustrate the differences in processes between the sites and the paper explores how they were used to discuss comparisons and possible improvements with the library staff. In many ways this is a type of action research study, as discussions with the research participants and ongoing evaluations are integral to the research. Research limitations/implications -This work is limited to one process in academic libraries; periodical acquisitions. It is also limited to two cases, although these are two contrasting sites, one in the UK and the other in Jordan. Practical implications -The modelling technique used was feasible, and provides a basis for improvement and management by supporting the analysis of process performance and behaviour. Originality/value -A particular important aspect in bridging the gap between research and practice is communication, through presentation of information in a structured way -the pictorial representation in the business process analysis is used to assist in discussions between researchers and practitioners.

The Big Picture: A Holistic View of E-book Acquisitions

“…36 Using the business process modeling technique, role activity diagram, Tbaishat examined print and e-journal acquisition at two academic libraries, compared the workflows, and discussed the differences with each library staff member for possible improvements to their process. 37 Prilop, Westbrook, and German discussed a project at the University of Houston Libraries to develop an interdepartmental workflow for the digitization of materials in a central, online depository and provided the steps taken to collaboratively create this process map. 38 Hamlett presented on process mapping as a means to analyze workflows of different e-resource processes to help a library decide what is needed from an ERM.…”

Ensuring access to theses in the Arab speaking world – University of Jordan initiatives

“…Khan et al (2006) investigated the scientific publishing process for digital libraries to bridge the gap between business models (presented by RAD) and grid computing. Tbaishat (2010) illustrated periodical acquisitions process and derived possible improvements through RAD. Shukla et al (2014) used the RAD to model magnetic resonance (MR) scanning service-delivery process in the radiology department of a large hospital.…”

Business process modelling using ARIS: process architecture

“…The RAD (mentioned previously as part of the Riva method) was used occasionally in the literature to model a few library processes; Liu et al (1999) used the RAD to model the process of checking out a book in the library. Tbaishat (2010) also used the RAD to examine academic library activities for periodicals. It was found that the business process modelling using RAD proved to be useful in visualizing the periodicals’ acquisitions process in academic libraries and reveal further process improvements (such as finding out communication problems and removing unnecessary tasks).…”