Academic libraries in challenging times

Abstract

This article identifies three key challenges facing academic libraries in a period of recession: resourcing, technological change and proof of relevance. It proposes a series of strategies to maximise the value, actual and perceived, of academic libraries in challenging times. These are based on clarity of message, cultivation of partnerships, service leadership and performance optimisation. Although it is clear that the global recession has placed a major strain on resources, it is argued that there are real opportunities to enhance the relevance of academic libraries to the scholarly mission and to provide leadership through innovation, creativity and an outward-facing perspective. Collaboration on and beyond the campus is a recurring theme of the article and a joint approach to resource deployment and service development can pay dividends. A culture of opportunism, agility and flexible skills development will enable academic libraries to emerge stronger from the recession.