Incorporating Strategic Management and Competitive Intelligence Into Library Practice

Article Critique
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Introduction
The article “Incorporating strategic management and competitive intelligence into library practice” was written by authors Olabisi Fadeke Adesina, Medinat Dolapo Laaro, Zainab Olanihun Ambali, and Tunde Toyese Oyedokun. It discusses ways of stressing the importance of expanding intelligence availability in modern information in libraries through competitive intelligence (Adesina et al., 2022). This paper will focus on the article’s overall summary, critical analysis, its pros and cons, and recommendations to improve the research.
Summary
The journal discusses how the web-based and internet data providers, such as online data brokers, data vendors, and others, compete with libraries in the information value chain. The study’s objectives were to identify rivals in the data value chain against libraries and also achieve library goals such as strategic management and competitive intelligence (Sammut-Bonnici, 2015). The methodology involved a review of articles as a form of survey for previously done research and opinion papers on contemporary library practices. The study found that libraries should utilize intelligence and strategy collection to assure dynamic data services that can suit a broad variety of present and upcoming users' data demands in order to remain ahead of their competitors (Haliso & Aina, 2012). This is particularly crucial in a setting where running libraries is becoming more difficult and competitive. In addition to a critical analysis of earlier studies, perspectives, and research, this review article offers a summary of latest trends on the application of competitive intelligence to contemporary practices in the library (Potnis & Mallary, 2021). Competitive intelligence, according to studies, is a tactical endeavor that is incorporated into and directly tied to librarianship. In order to prepare for the competitive supply of competitive intelligence, data services in libraries entail identifying data demands and user profiles as well as analyzing and acquiring external information. People have traditionally thought of librarians as gatekeepers who stand between the world of knowledge and the information consumers (Mattews, 2013). The library's intermediate role is evolving into an enabler as a consequence of differences in management strategies, data sources, and information technology, giving it the tools to disseminate data more directly and quickly.
Critical Analysis
The authors’ stand on competitive intelligence (CI) and strategic management being crucial for libraries to succeed in today's rapidly changing and competitive environment is correct. Libraries can benefit from Competitive intelligence by gathering information about their competitors, the market, and their strengths and weaknesses (Diyaolu, 2019). This information can be used to develop informed strategies and make informed decisions. However, there are some challenges associated with the implementation of CI and strategic management in libraries. One challenge is a lack of resources, including time, budget, and personnel, to conduct comprehensive CI and strategic planning processes. Additi...