The Future of Libraries in Higher Education: What is important?

Marla K. Roberson

June 19, 2012

My vision of libraries in higher education embraces the concept of “connections”.

o We need to connect through our physical and cloud spaces Are they comfortable? Are they secure? Do they invite collaboration?

o We need to connect with the current technology How do we support the newest “thing”? Are we seen as a hub of social networking and learning?

o We need to connect with our fiscal responsibilities by using our budgets wisely

Buying reliable resources.o We need to connect with OUR human resources.

Support staff developmento We need to connect with our college.

Does the library mission line up with the college mission?

WE NEED TO CONNECT THROUGH OUR PHYSICAL AND CLOUD SPACES.

Comfort and functionality for those entering our space.

Our home is your home: The changing environment of libraries.

Collaboration occurs!

Comfort zone for all that enter.

The students should not feel intimidated by a formal setting.

Security

Entice patrons into a comfortable physical space .

CONNECTION HAPPENS

WE NEED TO CONNECT WITH THE CURRENT TECHNOLOGY.

We have to have the gadgets.

What helps with research?

Tablets? E-book readers? Cell phones? Audiobooks? Apps? Geolocation? QRC codes? Smartphones?

“Mobile is the Needle that weaves information throughout our world; Social Networks are the thread.” Pew/Internet quote

Become a knowledge navigator.

Book format used by readers is shifting from the print to e-book.

Library 3.0---real time, easily accessed, easily shared and synched information

Mobile devices are changing the way information is delivered and accessed

Libraries need to adapt to the generation of users.

CONNECTION HAPPENS

The library needs to be the search engine.

WE NEED TO CONNECT WITH OUR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES BY USING OUR BUDGETS WISELY.

We need to be accountable and responsible with what we deliver and supply.

Academic libraries must prove the value they provide to the academic enterprise.

Higher education institutions are entering a period of flux, and potentially even turmoil. Trends to watch for are the rise of online instruction and degree programs, globalization, and an increase skepticism of the “return on investment in a college degree. Shifts in the higher education surround will have an impact on libraries in terms of expectations for development of collections, delivery of collections and services for both old and new audiences, and in terms of how libraries continue to demonstrate value to parent institutions

Reliable educational support.

Be fiscally responsible.

CONNECTION HAPPENS

Assess our services to make sure we are keeping up with the student’s skills and learning styles.

WE NEED TO CONNECT WITH OUR HUMAN RESOURCES.

We need to remember that we are all human and our interactions need to be respectful.

Academic libraries must develop the staff needed to meet new challenges through creative approaches to hiring new personnel and deploying/retraining existing staff.

Professional development – is it supported not only by those that should finance it but by those that can benefit from it?

Transition is happening and the library (people and building) need to be able to adapt to the new world. Professional and personal development support an easier transition.

What is our role as individuals and as a collective library?

CONNECTION HAPPENS

WE NEED TO CONNECT WITH OUR COLLEGE.

Does the library and the college present complimentary messages to learners?

What is the mission of the college or the university? Does the library mission and vision correlate?

Brand the library to fit the college and its mission.

CONNECTION HAPPENS

Is the library mission known to the college?

Is the library mission known to all that work in the library?

Vision = Connection

“The nature of the academic library has always been to provide a platform for research, study, social activity and discovery, “ he said. “I think, at its heart, the nature of the library will never change, but the services that we provide and the role that we play in a student’s or researcher’s life will constantly shift.” Daryl Green, rare book librarian at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Quoted in “Future U: Library 3.0 has more resources, greater challenges. 6-15-2012.