Organizational network analysis: A study of a university library from a network efficiency perspective

A library is a particular kind of organization. It plays a valuable role and is dedicated mainly to the development and growth of society. Analyzing a library from the perspective of a network of relations and ties, which exist between social and technical network nodes, contributes to a more nuanced assessment of effectiveness. Building on social network analysis and going beyond human relations in a library, this study examines perceptions related to knowledge and skills, resources, and tasks, identified through a survey conducted at the university library in Warsaw. Overall, the analyzed library is characterized by redundancy and congruence of knowledge, resources, and tasks required at the library (organizational) level and at the particular node (employee) level. Analyzing the network efficiency of a library is a new and valuable research design which uses a unique network measurement that should attract more interest in the future. This form of analysis gives managers the tools to dynamize relations and understand the flow, use, and sharing of resources or knowledge within a library context. However, more studies in the public sector would be invaluable in order to formulate new theories or conclusions.