Transforming Academic Libraries into Hubs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of a New Library Model

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecie.19.1.2488

Keywords:

Library space design,, Service innovation,, Cluster theory,, Triple helix model,, SMEs

Abstract

In a data-driven era, academic libraries must evolve beyond traditional roles as spaces for reading and storing information resources to become platforms promoting learning, research, innovation, future skills, and entrepreneurship. Based on the triple helix model of innovation, this paper highlights the new library model in a case study aimed at transforming traditional academic library services into enterprising, innovation-driven activities. For over ninety years, Thammasat University Library has been located on Rattanakosin Island, an historical area of Thailand. More recently, the library business model has evolved to meet modern needs. This qualitative research uses a case study to explore library strategies to create space meeting requirements of diverse user groups: students, faculty, staff, alumni, businesspeople and the community, including older residents. Service innovations responding to user demands are prioritized by drawing on the expertise of librarians. These changes generate new revenue for the library and enhance the space design and use through the Life Space concept. Co-working spaces, learning areas, inspirational corners, and performance venues make the library a platform for inspiring creativity, learning, life enhancement, and business ventures. The Thammasat University Library has also become an innovative bridge linking university research with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), facilitating knowledge transfer and research commercialization. These findings may serve as guidelines for academic libraries seeking to adapt the Library of Life approach to be centres catering to readers of all generations and stations in life.

Author Biography

Anyanitha Distanont, Thammasat University Library and College of Innovation, Thammasat University

Anyanitha Distanont, D.Sc. (Tech) received her BBA (1st Class Honours) in operations management from the Kasetsart University, Thailand in 2005, and her M.Sc in technology management from the Thammasat University in Thailand in 2008. She received her doctoral degree in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DIEM) at the University of Oulu, Finland in 2013. She has been an assistant professor at the College of Innovation, Thammasat University, Thailand. Her research interests cover innovation and technology management, commercialization, digital marketing, knowledge transfer, and new product development.  

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Published

2024-09-20