Abstract

There are huge challenges facing the library and information science profession owing to the rapidly changing environment in which it exists. Librarians need to be 'blended professionals' who can take all their professional skills and experience, and adapt them to different business models, strategic challenges and communities of practice. This topical edited collection will stimulate strategic and innovative thinking and question the status quo. It will be a 'must read' for leaders and future leaders of the profession, who will be challenged to align library services with the changing demands of the academic community and the work environment. Edited by a thought leader with an international reputation, it will bring together renowned authors from across the globe who are breaking traditional moulds and boundaries in a way that will have a profound impact on the way libraries and library services are conceptualized in the years to come. They represent the key links in the knowledge chain: authors, publishers, academics, community knowledge creators, librarians and institutions; the student perspective will also be provided. The five most compelling messages the book will contain are: engage in and support eLearning; be involved in institutional knowledge and information management strategies; support students and academic staff in the virtual learning space as well as in the library and on the web; be prepared to acquire, manage and make accessible information that is not traditionally the province of the library; and, new paradigms for services, and funding for services, will be necessary. This book is essential reading for all library managers and educators who wish to add real value to their organization by thinking strategically and informing decision making at organizational level. It will also be of great value to academic administrators and government policy analysts involved with learning and teaching.
"Covering a broad range of topics, this edited volume will appeal to information professionals who are interested in the future direction, challenges and opportunities for library and information services in higher education. Its 12 easily digestible chapters address a range of issues, including information-seeking behaviour, online support for library users, Web 2.0 technologies, new business ideas in publishing, knowledge management, leadership of the future, library buildings, managing research data, partnerships with academic departments and even the future of academic libraries in China." - Times Higher Education
"This is an extremely good and highly relevant book for academic librarians." - New Library World
"The book is aimed at library leaders and managers in the main; however it is also valuable reading for academic library staff as well as library educators...The title of the book suggests it is aimed solely at academic libraries; however I would suggest that the ideas and concepts behind the book are likely to be of interest beyond the walls of academic institutions." - HEA-ICS