A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating the Impact of Digital Innovations on Learning, Research and User Engagement in Academic Libraries

The impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, mobile systems and technologies of e-resources creates a significant need for change in the university library in a digital way. With these technologies, libraries have changed their focus from student learning and user engagement to research productivity and user engagement. It is at these areas that universities have essentially concentrated their efforts in the operation of their libraries to make them effective in the face of these technological changes. But a detailed model explaining the relationship between students’ academic performance and their level of use of these technologies has yet to be developed. The paper offers a comprehensive conceptual model which connects the digital innovations that can be found in University Libraries with the outputs of the University libraries in terms of learning, research and user satisfaction. The framework does not only consist of primary digital tools (e.g. AI-based discovery systems, virtual helpdesks, learning analytics, mobile platforms) as input fundamentals, but also includes ICT readiness, the digital literacy of learners and institutional support as mediators for the impact of the primary digital tools. It outlines the directions towards better access to resources, improved information literacy and increase of research skills and reception oriented user services through such innovations. Some of the recommended strategic solutions are reconciliation of digital innovations with institutional objectives, improvement of infrastructure and mitigation of the digital divide among others. But it is not only a theoretical base, it's also a practical weapon in the academic library toolbox for the implementation of innovation in academic and research excellence.