Innovation in Academic Libraries in Cameroon: Challenges and the Impact on Service Delivery

Abstract

Technology has developed rapidly within the academic library arena, characterized by unprecedented changes in library services. These changes necessitate novel strategies to embrace innovation, amidst a proliferation of information service providers and search engines. Innovation is no longer an option for academic libraries but a requirement to meet the demands of today’s users, and to improve services. Innovation is a solution to remain competitive in times of crisis. These changes however, come with challenges. This research sought to investigate if academic libraries are innovative and which type of innovative projects are being carried out to improve service delivery; to map out library approaches towards innovation, and to find out the challenges academic libraries in public universities in Cameroon face in innovating. A survey research design was used for the study. Structured questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments for data collection, while frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze data. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoI) was used. Findings reveal that academic libraries are making minimal attempts in innovative services. However, they are not innovating as they should if they must overcome current challenges. Findings further indicate that lack of requisite skills in ICTs, inadequate funding, lack of passion for the profession, lack of motivation, lack of state-of-the-art infrastructure, the emergence of social media, and lack of trained staff were among major challenges faced by academic libraries that directly hindered required innovation. Though academic libraries are not innovative, part of the blame is on leadership and non-challance of librarians. The paper concludes that academic libraries in Cameroon are not innovative. There is an urgent need for library administration in universities to be more proactive, and step up innovative projects in order to remain valuable in the academic community. The paper proposes some recommendations to overcome these challenges.