Mapping the association of HRM practices with the performance of library staff through PLS-SEM: a case study of academic libraries

PurposeThe current study aims to gauge the association between HRM practices and performance in academic libraries in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a quantitative approach to collect data. A total of 163 participants were included in this study. The sample was selected from 21 academic libraries. PLS-SEM, the main data analysis technique, was employed in the current research using the Smart PLS-4 software. The data for this study was collected through a survey conducted between March 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022.FindingsThe current study highlighted a significant positive correlation between HRM practices and performance. Moreover, the results indicated that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between training and performance among library professionals in academic libraries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to the University Libraries in northern India. It was not possible to cover all the academic libraries, because India has a large geographical area; it is the seventh-largest country in the world, with an area of 3.3 million square kilometres.Practical implicationsEmployees play a vital role in addressing these concerns in their pursuit of sustainability because they are integral elements of organisations and a significant source of competitive advantage. This may be achieved through good human resource management, which involves defining performance indicators, teaching employees to empower them to achieve organisational goals and recognising their accomplishments. This study has the potential to enhance scholarship, particularly in the domains of “human resource management” and library management. This study can also be used by future academics interested in organisational behaviour, organisational effectiveness, job satisfaction, commitment and performance appraisal.Originality/valueThis study could be used as an empirical standard in decision-making policies aimed at improving employee performance and enhancing the smooth implementation of library management.