Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): Sustainable Management Review
Articles

Reconceptualizing University Libraries as Knowledge Ecosystems: Rethinking the Roles and Management of Academic Libraries

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  • Baohua Wang ,
  • Zhang Yi,
  • Xiaoming Li ,
  • Wei Yet Tan
Baohua Wang
SEGi University
Zhang Yi
SEGi University
Xiaoming Li
SEGi University
Wei Yet Tan
SEGi University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70693/smr.v1i2.11

Published 2026-03-17

Keywords

  • Knowledge Ecosystem,
  • University Libraries,
  • Knowledge Sharing,
  • Learning Environment0,
  • Academic Library

How to Cite

Wang , B., Yi, Z., Li , X., & Tan , W. Y. (2026). Reconceptualizing University Libraries as Knowledge Ecosystems: Rethinking the Roles and Management of Academic Libraries. Sustainable Management Review, 1(2), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.70693/smr.v1i2.11

Copyright (c) 2026 Baohua Wang , Zhang Yi, Xiaoming Li , Wei Yet Tan

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

University libraries are undergoing profound transformation in response to digitalization, open science, and evolving academic practices. Traditional perspectives primarily conceptualize libraries as collection-centered repositories or information service institutions. While these views have shaped professional development, they insufficiently capture the dynamic and systemic nature of contemporary academic libraries. This study reconceptualizes the university library as a knowledge ecosystem. Drawing upon knowledge ecosystem theory, knowledge sharing theory, and learning environment perspectives, the paper proposes a four-component model consisting of knowledge resources, human participants, learning environments, and knowledge interaction. The model emphasizes interdependence, co-evolution, and collaborative knowledge creation within the academic context. Based on this framework, the study derives managerial implications that reposition libraries as knowledge hubs, librarians as facilitators, and libraries as academic communities. By integrating theoretical analysis with practical insights, this research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and guiding the future development of university libraries.

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