An increasing number of institutions are freeing up shelf space in their libraries and moving in student services as well as a coffee shop and other lures such as flexible seating arrangements. Librarians are taking down the silence signs in all but the quiet study room and urging members of the academic community to meet, talk, research and…

Studies about diversity initiatives in academic libraries have primarily focused on large research libraries. But what kinds of diversity work occur at smaller libraries? This study examines the status of diversity initiatives, especially those aimed at students, at national liberal arts college libraries. Results from a survey of library…

Today's library is still at the heart of all university activities, helping students and faculty become better learners, teachers, and researchers. In recent years there has emerged the formalizing of one or more of these activities into an Academic Commons. These centers of information have been labeled variously but they all share a commonality:…

The Excelsior College Library is turning fearful faculty members into empowered copyright role models. Geared towards institutions operating without a copyright policy or department, this article outlines a three-step process for fostering faculty collaboration surrounding copyright practices: (1) Give faculty and course developers the tools and…

The purpose of this multi-case study was to describe how library deans and directors at large comprehensive community colleges strategically advocate for and support instructional and technological innovation despite the reality of limited resources and the stress caused by recurring funding crises in higher education. It further sought to examine…

Campus librarians play a central role in conversations revolving around copyright compliance. The sheer volume of information provided within library physical and virtual spaces affirms the role libraries play in current copyright debates. Regardless of the function of librarians on any particular campus, it is important to confront the myriad of…

Libraries and library faculty play a significant role in supporting college curriculum and helping students succeed academically. In particular, libraries are the primary location both physically and remotely for supporting faculty and students in their research and information needs. Over the years, this role of libraries and library faculty has…

In March 1974, a study was undertaken at Northwestern University to examine the role of the library in providing information services based on computerized data bases. After taking an inventory of existing data bases at Northwestern and in the greater Chicago area, a committee suggested ways to continue and expand the scope of information…

The role of the university librarian in dealing with other members of the institution, including teachers, students, and administrators, is discussed from the perspective of a librarian in Bombay, India. Specific suggestions for improving relations are reviewed. (LBH)

This paper describes the many difficulties of a newly founded satellite branch library to evolve into an independent college library within sixteen years. Changing roles and priorities are discussed, as well as the influence of the accrediting agency on this small California community college library. (Contains 3 notes.)

In recent years academic librarians have sought to partner with other organizations of higher education to establish areas of mutual interest and to work together to further these areas. Richard Ekman, as president of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), has involved librarians in various CIC programs. This past year, under Richard's…

A list of standards was adopted by the Association of College and Research Libraries. It was intended to apply to college libraries serving academic programs at the bachelors and masters degree levels. Standards are presented for the major library functions, as follows: (1) objectives; (2) collections; (3) organization of materials; (4) staff; (5)…

College librarians do not always find the characteristics they wish their teaching and administrative colleagues to have: a genuine understanding of the library's mission in higher education; a clearer recognition of the professional librarian's craft and acceptance as a peer; and a reliable flow of communication and consultation. (Author/MSE)

This report presents a 1975-1976 comprehensive review of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte J. Murrey Atkins Library undertaken by staff members. Data and information were gathered from faculty, student, and library surveys, interviews, and by task forces in the areas of management and structural processes, human resources, library…

Academic libraries are in a period of transition, self-examination, and change. Management is considering new methods, such as management by objectives. Unionization is growing. Since funding tends to be diminishing while library growth continues, cooperative acqusitions promise improved accessibility. Ways to better serve users need to be found,…