Organisational Capabilities Driving Agility in Academic and Public Libraries

Abstract

In an era of rapid technological change and evolving user expectations, agility has become a defining attribute for the sustainability of academic and public libraries. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines how organisational capabilities shape and enhance library agility by synthesising studies published between 2018 and 2023. Using a structured search strategy across IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, LISTA, and Google Scholar, the review identifies five pivotal organisational capabilities: Leadership and Strategic Vision, Technology Integration, Organisational Culture, Resource Management, and User Engagement and Feedback. The synthesis reveals that libraries demonstrating strength across these capabilities achieve greater adaptability, innovation, and user-centred service delivery. However, persistent challenges such as the digital divide, funding constraints, and limited technological expertise continue to hinder agile transformation. Overall, the findings highlight that developing comprehensive organisational capabilities fosters resilience and responsiveness in library operations. Strengthening leadership, investing in technology and staff development, managing resources strategically, and maintaining active user collaboration collectively form the foundation of agile and future-ready libraries. These insights offer valuable guidance for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to enhance the adaptive capacity of library institutions in a dynamic digital ecosystem.