The Extent of Implementing the Blue Strategy in Improving the Performance of Academic Libraries at Wasit University

Abstract

    his research aims to demonstrate the extent to which the Blue Ocean Strategy has been implemented to improve the performance of academic libraries at Wasit University. This is achieved by analyzing the application of its principles, namely value-driven innovation and transcending traditional competition. The study employed a descriptive-analytical methodology and relied on an electronic questionnaire developed via Google Drive and distributed to a sample of 86 library staff members at Wasit University.

The results revealed that the application level of the Blue Ocean Strategy was generally low, especially in innovation and administrative simplification, despite limited efforts toward digital transformation and waste reduction. The findings also indicated a weak adoption of the Blue Ocean Strategy among Iraqi libraries in general and Wasit University libraries in particular, as effective mechanisms for optimizing institutional effort, time, and financial resources. The lowest mean score (1.64) with a standard deviation of (0.61) appeared in the statement “The library seeks to avoid repeating activities that add no value” within the “Elimination” dimension.

Based on these findings, it was concluded that the Blue Ocean Strategy, as a modern mechanism for improving library performance, remains weak and ineffective within the Iraqi academic environment, highlighting the need for a clearer and more applicable framework to foster innovation and renewal in library work.

The study recommends enhancing strategic awareness and developing staff competencies in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking to better apply Blue Ocean concepts and improve institutional performance in academic libraries.