University Libraries

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Browsing University Libraries by Subject "academic libraries"

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    Electronic Book Acquisition Strategies in Academic Libraries: A Review of the Literature
    (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2026-04) Scott, Rachel E.; Arthur, Michael A.
    Electronic book (e-book) acquisition models have evolved over the decades they have been available to library customers. This review leverages findings from scholarly literature to document the proliferation and evolution of e-book acquisitions models, their strengths and weaknesses in various contexts, and their role in the collection development strategies of academic libraries. From firm orders and subscription packages to demand-driven and evidence-based acquisitions, engagement with e-book acquisitions models varies considerably based on factors such as library budget and staffing, institutional curriculum and programs, consortial affiliations, support for textbook affordability initiatives, and COVID-19 responses. The findings from this literature review suggest multiple acquisition models are frequently used in combination; librarians closely monitor e-book expenditures and use, regularly modifying acquisitions parameters; and e-book strategy is dependent on institutional goals, library budgets, consortial participation, and marketplace realities. Additionally, the increased availability of e-books and their acquisitions models have created opportunities for research that compares the efficiency and effectiveness of e-book purchasing models and draws on existing and evolving evaluative models to establish benchmarks for measuring success.
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    Engaging Students in Academic Library Design: Emergent Practices in Co-Design
    (2021-02-28) Decker, Emy Nelson; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    This article explores academic libraries that have gone beyond using the traditional survey or focus group methods of soliciting student input, specific to library design projects. The goal for each library was to engage students in space design projects in innovative and hands-on ways that would maximize the potential for gaining their design input toward the creation of improved and enhanced library spaces. The successful co-design practices are further contextualized by analyzing the strategies employed by several academic libraries for engaging students in library design or redesign projects. Key trends, approaches, and emergent practices come into focus as they pertain to student input opportunities. By studying examples of student co-design in academic library design projects, several themes emerge as ingredients for reaching – and keeping – users engaged with library design. Importantly, students must feel that their commentary is valued and that their input is evident in the final design.
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    The X-factor in academic libraries: the demand for soft skills in library employees
    (Routledge, 2020-07-17) Decker, Emy Nelson; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    As the need for employees with technology skills and other expertise has increased within the contemporary academic library environment, so too has the need for employees with "soft skills." Soft skills refer to personal, learnable attributes, such as emotional intelligence, communication aptitude, persuasion facility, storytelling ability, collegiality, and even woo. While academic libraries are ever-changing, it is critical to bear in mind the importance of the human component. This article considers the need for soft skills within the contemporary academic library environment. It will draw upon successful instances of soft skills development from outside the academic library environment to synthesize new ways of enhancing library employees' soft skills.