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Business process modeling has been given great attention due to its crucial role in developing computer-based systems that support (and automate) organizational processes. In information systems, building the right process architecture is vital, since a poor division of organizational processes can lead to complex designs or incoherent structure. Moreover, process architecture acts as a “big picture” of what the organization does, and represents dynamic relationships between the existing processes, which, in turn, helps understand how the organization works (Ould, 2005). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

This paper discusses the derivation of a process architecture diagram (PAD) using the Riva method in detail, in contrast to the PAD developed using Architecture of Integrated Information Systems (ARIS). The information system selected as an example for this comparative study is in the context of academic libraries, embedding various yet generic library processes.

Organizational process architecture provides a basis for business management, based on specific framework supported by integrated tools and methods (Kozina, 2006). ARIS and Riva process architecture methods can be used to visualize and document organizational processes. Understanding the merits and weaknesses of each method is essential to identify possible areas of application.

The processes selected were generic in most academic libraries not taking into consideration special personalized processes. These can be added though.

Both techniques are feasible and can be used to view and analyze library processes, allowing bridging the gap between theory and practice.

A number of process architecture methods are available, however, few studies focused on assessing these methods, and comparing some of them to find out how easy they are to be used in particular contexts, and whether they can be standardized.

This paper aims to examine some of the digitization projects at the library of the University of Jordan. As the library acts as the deposit centre for theses from the Arab world universities, an effective management policy for deposit, management and access is required. The paper illustrates some of the existing workflows and considers the challenges and possible improvements.

Interviews (n = 8) with library staff in the Information Division provided details about the methods used for the collection and management of print and electronic theses in the University of Jordan, in addition to some digitization projects. In addition, very recent unpublished brochure was collected from one member of staff in the computer applications and databases section to learn about theses deposit statistics from various countries in the Arab world. A business process modelling technique (Riva) (Ould, 2005) using role activity diagram illustrated some of the existing workflows, the challenges and possible improvements.

Some Arab universities do not send theses on regular basis; some do not collaborate at all. Workflows vary according to the format of the thesis. The number of digitized print theses has reached 77,885 titles, out of total of 84,043, but it is a slow process. All newly submitted theses from Jordanian universities come in print and on a CD, but other external institutions may use different methods (CD only by mail, or direct uploading to the webpage provided by the University of Jordan). The current online system for uploading theses was last updated in 2017. Deposit rates through the system are very low. Access to theses is relatively limited; print theses can be accessed within the library premises. The online theses repository provides full text and all academic staff; students and researchers can access these from any workstation within the university campus. Only registered users may access theses databases (read only) outside the network. Resourcing for digitization is limited, and the digitization itself is currently outsourced although other processes are done in-house.

The paper encourages the use of a practical online theses’ repository to deposit theses from the higher education within the Arab world.

Establishing theses repository and ensuring proper and smooth deposit process by Arab universities libraries, would enhance communication and collaboration amongst them.

The paper supports the theme of the primacy of global access to information for learning and scholarship. The paper adds value in the context of theses access amongst Arab universities. As the library acts as the deposit centre for theses from the Arab world universities, an effective management policy for deposit, management, access and preservation is required. The paper provides a set of recommendations that would contribute to raise the visibility of research produced by Arab higher education, through a single source of access to theses.

Academic libraries have witnessed huge changes due to internal and external factors. Recent evidence shows that there is a lack of interest in process analysis within academic libraries. There is a lot written on the need to change academic libraries but there is little analytical research that investigates processes, in terms of the process architecture. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

The modelling tool used is Architecture of Integrated Information Systems (ARIS).

ARIS can provide a process architecture and design for academic libraries that might raise questions later about procedures and some inefficiencies.

Library managers might need to learn new techniques.

There is a lot written on the need to change academic libraries but there is little analytical research that investigates processes, in terms of the process architecture. This research examines business process modelling for academic libraries, focusing on the process architecture, as a way of visualizing, understanding and documenting processes.

The purpose of this paper is to examine frameworks (such as scorecards) for ongoing library assessment and how business process modelling contributes in Part 3 of the series of viewpoint papers.

Reviews the statistical data collection for strategic planning, and use of data analytics. Considers how to organise further value explorations. Compares macro-frameworks (balanced scorecard, values scorecard) and micro-frameworks for library assessment. Reviews the evidence on business process modelling/re-engineering initiatives. Describes how the Riva approach can be used to both derive a process architecture and to model individual processes.

Data analytics requires collaboration among library services to develop reliable data sets and effective data visualisations for managers to use. Frameworks such as the balanced scorecard may be used to organise ongoing impact and performance evaluation. Queries that arise during ongoing library assessment may require a framework to formulate questions, and assemble evidence (qualitative and quantitative). Both macro- and micro-value frameworks are useful. Work on process modelling within libraries can help to develop an assessment culture, and the Riva approach provides both a process architecture and models of individual processes.

Examines how to implement a library assessment culture through use of data analytics, value frameworks and business process modelling.

The paper's purpose is to examine the process for the acquisition of print and electronic periodicals acquisition process in academic libraries using a business process modelling technique, role activity diagram (RAD).

A literature review examined process modelling in academic libraries. Multiple methods were used for data collection, including documentary analysis, and interviews (n=8) with library staff (mostly recorded) provided other details about the library processes. Two sites were studied. Direct observation was used occasionally as a less formal method. RAD was used as a modelling technique; this is part of the Riva business process‐modelling suite (Ould).

The role activity diagram examples illustrate the differences in processes between the sites and the paper explores how they were used to discuss comparisons and possible improvements with the library staff. In many ways this is a type of action research study, as discussions with the research participants and ongoing evaluations are integral to the research.

This work is limited to one process in academic libraries; periodical acquisitions. It is also limited to two cases, although these are two contrasting sites, one in the UK and the other in Jordan.

The modelling technique used was feasible, and provides a basis for improvement and management by supporting the analysis of process performance and behaviour.

A particular important aspect in bridging the gap between research and practice is communication, through presentation of information in a structured way – the pictorial representation in the business process analysis is used to assist in discussions between researchers and practitioners.