This article describes the roles of librarians in a research library, particularly in the digital era. Librarians' roles vary from the custodian of resources to providers of a diverse nature of activities ranging from collection development, organization of knowledge, information services, preservation and conservation, and management. Librarians…

The 129th meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) focused on anticipating the future of higher education in North America and identifying responses from research libraries that will contribute to emerging agendas for change. An opening session (convened by Nancy Cline, ARL Presiding President) began the meeting. The first session,…

The research library is the focus of a scholarly communication system in crisis. Costs, volume of information, and technological advancement have brought changes that significantly challenge the current library structure. However, technology is not the most important variable; the culture and lifestyle of faculty and students must adapt also. (MSE)