An Investigation into Technological Potentials of Library Intralogistics Operations

Abstract

The efficiency of operations in service-oriented organizations is amongst the primary objectives. Libraries are no exception in this context, and this goal becomes even more complex due to being a non-profitable entity. While recent technological improvements have favored organizations in various dimensions, there is a technological lag in library operations. Through adoption of input-transformation-output model to elaborate the library operations, and using Trondheim Public Library as the case study, material processing turns out as the dominant element of transformation processes. Given the solid link between material processing and intralogistics operations—and material handling—this study collects a list of technological and digital solutions that have contributed to this realm, by exploiting the principles of systematic literature review. According to four areas of material processing in library, i.e., moving, sorting, storing, and controlling, an exploratory study of the applicability of technologies is conducted at the Trondheim Public Library as the case study. Moreover, through focus group discussions with librarians and authors, the operational function of each identified solution is measured across four key performance indicators (KPIs). This leads to generating a first pragmatic profile for each technology that assists libraries in better decision making for adoption of digital solutions in favor of upbuilding their operations. The findings are, however, not conclusive due to the exploratory aspect of this study and to fast-paced advances in the current digital era, and in this regard, some of the significant considerations along with possible limitations and future research are put into discussions.