Impact of Big Data Analytics on University Libraries

This research article examines the influence of big data analytics on decision-making practices within university libraries, framed through Clayton Christensen's disruptive innovation theory. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 25 participants from various Australian university libraries, conducted between 2018 and 2022. The findings indicate that big data analytics has the potential to significantly disrupt traditional library systems and enhance decision-making processes. The research outlines the transformative effects of adopting data-driven approaches in librarianship, emphasizing the need for libraries to integrate big data tools to improve their services and user experiences. Additionally, the study contributes to the field of library and information science by addressing the gap in literature regarding the application of disruptive technologies in libraries. It offers recommendations for future research and practical strategies for implementing big data analytics to support informed decision-making in university libraries.