Value of Academic and Research Libraries
Change across all facets of society—including demographic, technological, and economic change—has the potential to greatly impact higher education and the academic library. As we move further into the 21st century, it is important to pay attention to the trends around us to inform our thinking about where institutions of higher education and their libraries are headed.
Value of Academic Libraries
The Board of Directors of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has been working to determine how best to help members demonstrate the value of academic libraries to the academy (see April 2009 ACRL Board Document Return on Investment in Academic Libraries Research Memo). ACRL is interested in developing research that will support advocacy efforts for libraries with decision-makers and funders in higher education. After an invitational meeting in July 2009 (see ACRL Board document Report on ACRL Value of Academic Libraries Research Meeting held Chicago, July 8-9, 2009 ) ACRL took the first step of issuing a request for proposals for a comprehensive review of the quantitative and qualitative literature, methodologies and best practices currently in place for demonstrating the value of academic libraries. Subsequently, Dr. Megan Oakleaf was selected to carry out this work.Coming Soon! The Value of Academic Libraries report will be issued in mid-September 2010. Watch this space for complete details and links to the report.
Futures Thinking for Academic Librarians: Higher Education in 2025 (June 2010) (PDF)
For academic librarians seeking to demonstrate the value of their libraries to their parent institutions, it is important to understand not only the current climate. We must also know what will be valued in the future so that we can begin to take appropriate action now. This document presents 26 possible scenarios based on an implications assessment of current trends, which may have an impact on all types of academic and research libraries over the next 15 years. They are organized in a “scenario space” visualization tool, reflecting the expert judgment of ACRL members as to their expectations and perceptions about the probability, impact, speed of change, and threat/opportunity potential of each scenario. The study draws out implications for academic libraries and includes an appendix with a suggested activity, also available as an editable document so that you may customize this activity for use in your library. Additionally, listen to a discussion with the report's authors about how to stretch your imagination and why considering possible futures is worthwhile. Press coverage: Inside Higher Ed, Library Journal: Academic Newswire, and American Libraries.Confronting the Business Lens for Accountability of General Education, presentation at the 2009 ACRL National Conference (.mov file)
Marilee Bresciani, Associate Professor, Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education, San Diego State UniversityOn the Research Library: A Comment (PDF)
John V. Lombardi, Professor of History and Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
A plenary address from the 2006 ARL Assessment ConferenceArticles and Studies Related to Library Value (Return on Investment)
Developed by the ALA Office for Research & StatisticsACRL 2009 Strategic Thinking Guide for Academic Librarians in the New Economy
Distinguished panelists will discuss the questions presented in this document at the ACRL 14th National Conference in Seattle, March 13, 2009, during a program session “Brother Can You Spare a Dime? ACRL 2009 Strategic Thinking Guide for Academic Librarians in the New Economy.” It is intended to spur strategic conversation, planning, and action in academic libraries.21st Century Academic Libraries in Higher Education
This document was prepared by Julie Todaro, ACRL President, 2007-2008, for a presentation at the American Association of State Colleges & Universities (AASCU) Academic Affairs Winter Meeting, February 8, 2008, Tempe, Arizona.What Chief Academic Officers Want from Their Libraries: Findings from interviews with Provosts and Chief Academic Officers (PDF)(October 2007)
This is the central finding from a recent survey of Provosts and Chief Academic Officers conducted on behalf of the Association for College and Research Libraries by Leigh S. Estabrook and the University of IllinoisChanging Roles of Academic and Research Libraries
Essay derived from a Roundtable on Technology and Change in Academic Libraries, convened by ACRL on November 2-3, 2006 in ChicagoThe Future of Higher Education: A View from CHEMA (PDF)
A report presented by Council of Higher Education Management Association (CHEMA) and Educause Center for Applied Research (ECAR), with generous sponsorship from Carter & Burgess, Inc., and produced for CHEMA by APPA.Campus of the Future Poster session (PDF)
Poster session presented by ACRL President Pamela Snelson and ACRL Executive Directy Mary Ellen K. Davis, July 8-11, 2006, at The Campus of the Future, a joint conference sponsored by AAPA (Serving Educational Facilities Professionals), NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers), and SCUP (Society for College and University Planning).Top Issues Facing Academic Libraries for the Future of Academic Libraries and Librarians
ACRL unveiled its Top Ten Assumptions for the future of academic and research libraries March 31, 2007, during its 13th National Conference in Baltimore. The ACRL Research Committee developed the top ten assumptions after surveying member leaders and conducting a literature review. Listen to ACRL leaders discuss the top ten assumptions in a podcast interview.Do We Need Academic Libraries? (January 2000)
This position paper, written by Larry Hardesty, addresses the necessity of requiring accredited transregional and virtual institutions to maintain a physical library space.