This study examines the future of libraries in Nigeria during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), when advanced technologies will change the way people live and work. It explores the outlook from the perspective of six academic librarians drawn from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The survey findings reveal that the Fourth Industrial…

Over the past three years, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)-funded Community College Academic and Student Support Ecosystem (CCASSE) initiative has aimed to provide the higher education community with insight into the organization of student-facing support services and how the library can best position itself to enhance student…

This case study details how a community college library, in response to rising textbook costs and COVID-related closures, advocated for and received an increase in funding to provide online copies of many textbooks in its reserve collection. It also provides a glimpse into the roadblocks acquisitions librarians might encounter in trying to bolster…

This paper examines the role of librarians in e-learning programs, as a consequence of post-COVID adaptations in Nigerian universities. Through a review of the relevant literature and of current practice in existing e-learning programs in Nigerian universities, a discussion is developed around the significant roles librarians can play. The…

In the current environment for higher education, it has become critical for all of the departments and colleges within a university to become more aware of their place in the overall mission of the university. This is especially true of the academic library, which had relied upon a reputation as the "heart" of an academic institution for…

The Community College Academic and Student Support Ecosystems (CCASSE) project examines how academic and student support services at not-for-profit associate-degree granting colleges are organized, funded, and staffed, and how these services can most effectively advance student success. In spring 2019, Ithaka S+R surveyed 249 chief academic and…

Open access textbooks (OATs) and educational resources (OERs) are being lauded as a viable alternative to costly print textbooks. Some academic libraries are joining the OER movement by creating guides to open repositories. Others are promoting OATs and OERs, reviewing them, and even helping to create them. This article analyzes how academic…

Examination of the downward trend of college and university enrollments and its possible effects on academic libraries notes that fewer undergraduates, fewer full-time students, and more graduate, part-time, and older students will affect clientele, services, and support. Other trends considered include fewer new academic librarians and the…

Six essays addressing the provision of online search services in academic libraries highlight passing on costs, academic library turf, current and future funding (on and off campus), a healthy competition, the future role of libraries, charges to users, end user searching, and online information. References are provided. (EJS)

Discusses philosophy and economics of charging users for library services. Free services are advocated for reasons of equal access and intellectual freedom, and alternatives to charging are suggested, citing Seattle Public Library as an example. Opinions and statistics on library fees excerpted from the current literature are included. (CDD)

Traces the development of national computer networks and discusses the need for the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Topics discussed include ARAPNET, Internet, BITNET, NSFNET, the role of the government, legislative status, the Coalition for Networked Information, policy issues, technological requirements, and libraries and NREN.…

Addresses the role of academic research libraries as affected by powerful economic and technological forces. The shift in emphasis from collections to access, planning the transition, objectives to enhance traditional library collections and services, and funding the transition are highlighted. Four references are provided. (EJS)

This profile of university libraries in Pakistan covers history of higher education and role of the library; organization of library service (strong central library, decentralized library service, central library with department libraries); resources and collection building; technical processing; readers' services; administration and staffing;…

Examines how price increases and substantial growth in the number of scholarly journals are logical outcomes of the scholarly communication system. It is argued that scholars, publishers, and university officials have an interest in continuing this system, and academic libraries are expected to provide a ready market even though they are not…

Describes the impact of reduced budgets on British university libraries in the areas of acquisitions, staffing, services, buildings, and library cooperation. The effects of changes in the funding and organization of universities on the library's role within the university are also discussed. (9 notes with references) (CLB)