Chapter 4: A Conceptual Framework for Paradigm Shift in Academic Libraries in Iran: Changing the Role of Libraries as Accelerators in Science, Technology, and Innovation

Different factors come into play to develop effective new solutions leading to various aspects of development worldwide. The emergence of new technologies in academic libraries and the ability to establish appropriate communication between librarians and other information stakeholders are essential for creating value chains to empower libraries as accelerating centers in science, technology, and innovation. By proposing a framework for turning Iran’s academic libraries into a place for social activities related to health science, creating and accelerating new businesses will become predictable. To unpack this framework, this chapter proceeds in three phases. In the first phase, research literature has been reviewed extensively with consideration of its empirical applications. Next, a conceptual framework for changing the role of Iranian libraries as accelerators has been proposed based on the understanding gained from the previous stage. In the third phase, a conceptual framework was developed and finalized to understand factors that can empower academic libraries as accelerators in science, technology, and innovation. Empowering libraries to align their role as accelerators can be considered a pillar of creative ecology that can lead to improved social welfare. The results of this research will cause transformation in information centers so that policymakers can make optimal decisions based on the potential of information centers and knowledge cycle implementation processes.