The Library’s Buzz – Future of the Library & Combating Library Anxiety

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Dani Guzman, Ex Libris

Four of the items that caught our eye this month are about how the library of the future will operate based on some interesting trends we already see today.

One thing that might not change so quickly – at least not at the academic world’s most venerated libraries – is the phenomenon called “Library Anxiety” and how librarians can help overcome it. (See our second-to-last item below.) No doubt anyone suffering from that particular disorder would be more than intimidated by the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress, but you can help “break the ice” with some basic Library of Congress facts — scroll to the end for the link!

Building the Library of the Future

In an interesting overview of forward-looking trends in research libraries, the Dean of Libraries at Carnegie Mellon University, Keith Webster, presents how these trends can be leveraged to “develop a library that is positioned for success tomorrow.” The vision Webster outlines, especially a large-scale shift to digital and the web, is part of his university’s strategic plan for the future. Read about how this may play out in your institution >>>

Implications for Accessibility in Academic Libraries

Narrowing the focus a bit, American Libraries Magazine discusses the implications of six identified tech trends for the future of library accessibility. The article – based on the New Media Consortium’s Horizon Report: 2017 Library Edition – touches on how library services platforms, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other developments will impact how information in academia will be accessed, and by whom, within the next 2-5 years. Read more here >>>

How to Reduce the Cost of College Textbooks

Joe Esposito, a management consultant for the publishing and digital services industries, observes that the cost of academic textbooks are expected to drop as technological solutions develop. Leganto, our course reading list solution, is already partnered with SIPX to lower the cost of educational materials by using a digital pay-per-use or subscription model and by promoting open educational resources (OER). In his article, Esposito examines a variant of the subscription model, called “inclusive access,” in depth. Find out who the winners and losers will be as the cost of textbooks drop >>>

Faculty Members Examine Implications of Flipped Classroom, Library Research

The Observer, a student-run, daily print and online newspaper of the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College, ran an article on the “flipped classroom” approach to learning and research (in which students learn material outside the classroom and then use class time to problem-solve in small groups). In this context, the article notes the view that “librarians are an invaluable asset to professors, as they bring new insights and fresh perspectives to the traditional classroom setting.” Read more here >>>

The Strange Affliction of ‘Library Anxiety’ and What Librarians Do to Help

When someone feels “intimidated, embarrassed, and overwhelmed by libraries and librarians,” according to a 1986 paper, they suffer from library anxiety. As there are more and more digital and remote access resources available, many students can get around their anxiety for a time, but most eventually need to actually visit the library. This is where librarians and library design can play a pivotal role. Keep calm and carry on reading here >>>

11 Well-Read Facts about the Library of Congress

The American Library of Congress is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the library of the United States Congress. At least, that’s why it was established. Of course, it has expanded far beyond its original modest aims to become the largest library on Earth. Who can access the Library of Congress now and what does it really contain? Find out the answers (and much more) here >>>

 

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