Management of One World Library for Sustainable Excellence Development in the Digital Era: Suan Dusit University

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) to examine opinions on critical factors in managing One World Library (OWL), and 2) to investigate management approaches for OWL development toward sustainable excellence in the digital era, using Suan Dusit University as a case study. This was a mixed-methods research study. The quantitative sample consisted of 722 OWL users, including staff and students. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using means and standard deviations. The qualitative research employed focus group discussions with 10 experts, and data were analyzed through content analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1) Opinions on six critical factors in managing OWL were: (1) sustainability and excellence (mean = 4.26), (2) ecosystem and collaboration (mean = 4.23), (3) leadership (mean = 4.21), (4) smart services (mean = 4.14), (5) transformation (mean = 4.13), and (6) innovation and digital integration (mean = 4.09); and 2) Management approaches for OWL leading to sustainable excellence included: (1) transforming the learning landscape from library to learning university under the “One World Library to University” concept, with four types of spaces designed: Learning Space, Inspiration Space, Meeting Space, and Expression Space; (2) shifting service models to proactive approaches through infrastructure development, classrooms, online platforms, and AI Stations; (3) systematic change management in three stages: Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze; (4) positive impacts and role modeling for other institutions; and (5) barriers and challenges, including digital technology, staff development, modern user behaviors, and equitable access.