A holistic view of academic library supply chain model

Abstract

PurposeThe supply chain (SC) model is commonly utilized in manufacturing and has also been adapted to a variety of service industries with similar goals. However, in a few service industries, most notably academic libraries, the SC model is rarely implemented, despite the fact that SC management best practises have been shown to boost stakeholder satisfaction, revenue and decrease total expenses. This research aims to discuss the development of the entities of an academic library SC model and present the verifying/validation process of the model.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, both qualitative and quantitative approaches have been used. System thinking method used to develop the conceptual SC model of the academic library and fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) used to validate the developed model.FindingsThis research explores the functions and components that need to develop and validate the academic library SC model.Originality/valueThe outcome of this research is to construct a valid SC model of an academic library which could be a strategical tool for ensuring a quality service for the library users and the stakeholders because this model shows a holistic view of all entities of the academic library SC.