Tag Archives: academic and research libraries

Navigating the Future: Key Trends in Academic Libraries for 2024 

This post was generously contributed by Lily Ko, Secretary of the IFLA Academic and Research Libraries Section.

 

The Academic and Research Libraries Section has been producing the Country Trend Report annually, drawing on contributions from its members. This report serves as a crucial reference for the “Hot Topics” session, a flagship annual activity. The latest ARL Country Trend Report highlights the most significant trends in academic libraries worldwide for 2024. This blog post summarizes the top six trends identified in the report.

Trend One: Open Access and Open Science Initiatives

Open Access and Open Science initiatives represent the leading trends in academic and research libraries worldwide, indicating a transition toward more accessible and transparent scholarly communication. These initiatives seek to reduce barriers to information, promote equity in publishing, and enhance the visibility of research outputs.

Open Access

Institutions from various countries are actively participating in raising awareness, advocating for open access, and enabling it. For example:

  • The Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) is undertaking sector-wide efforts that focus on enabling open access and supporting institutions in implementing, communicating, delivering, and evaluating their open access initiatives.
  • In Bangladesh, efforts to involve the academic community and raise awareness of the benefits of open access have been gaining momentum.
  • In November 2024, the Alliance of French Public Scientific Publishers was established to complement other national open access initiatives and promote advocacy in this field.

Transformative Agreements

Many institutions have entered into transformative agreements with publishers to promote open access. Examples include:

  • The DEAL Consortium in Germany is a read-and-publish agreement that includes an open access option, allowing German researchers to publish in journals from various publishers. The second round of negotiations has begun.
  • The South African National Library and Information Consortium (SANLiC) leads the negotiation of transformative agreements with publishers.

However, financial constraints and sustainability present major concerns, particularly the impact of article processing charges. Libraries across various countries are exploring new options, such as diamond open-access projects in China, Germany, and South Africa. In the United States, researchers are actively exploring new policy developments regarding equity and access in publishing practices.

Open Science

Open Science initiatives are propelling developments in libraries. Libraries in Botswana, Estonia, China, France, and South Africa are advocating for open science and launching various projects. In Australia, CAUL is promoting open educational resources. They are collaborating with the government and higher education stakeholders to publish open textbooks and other materials. Nigeria is also progressing in the development of open educational resources. The United States is aligning these projects with practical knowledge to engage students.

Trend Two: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Integration

The integration of AI and advanced technologies represents a major trend in academic libraries worldwide. Generative AI tools are popular due to their ease of use. Libraries actively promote AI literacy by organizing more conferences, workshops, and webinars to educate users on how to use these tools responsibly. They also address the ethical implications of AI, ensuring users are informed about responsible practices.

Libraries are addressing challenges posed by AI, including authors’ rights, data protection, and biases. Furthermore, sustainability and energy costs related to generative AI are receiving increased attention.

In addition to promoting AI literacy, libraries are investigating ways to utilize AI to enhance access to library collections and services. This encompasses the use of AI technology for special collections, a topic that is gaining popularity.

Trend Three: Collection Development and Resource Sharing

Efficient collection development and resource sharing are crucial for the sustainability and relevance of academic libraries. In Ghana, the Consortium for Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH) plays a significant role in facilitating ongoing subscriptions to essential electronic resources, including eBooks and academic databases.

In Nigeria, academic libraries strive to maintain a balance between print and digital collections. However, budget constraints often limit access to newly published materials. To overcome these challenges, libraries participate in resource-sharing consortia, utilize Inter-Library Loan (ILL) services, and collaborate with the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) to access essential resources at reduced costs.

Meanwhile, in the United States, libraries are increasingly focused on re-evaluating their collections and enhancing collection management practices.

Trend Four: Professional Development and Staff Retention

Ongoing professional development and effective staff management are essential for the success and resilience of academic libraries. As libraries navigate an increasingly complex environment—shaped by emerging technologies and shifting sociopolitical dynamics—library staff must continuously engage in training, reskilling, and upskilling to remain current and effective.

However, staff retention is becoming an increasing concern. High retirement rates, insufficient compensation, low morale, and burnout are making it difficult to keep skilled librarians. These challenges not only affect service quality but also threaten the long-term sustainability of library operations. Addressing these issues necessitates strategic investment in staff well-being, competitive pay, and clear pathways for career growth and recognition.

Trend Five: Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaboration and strategic partnerships are increasingly essential for enhancing library services and expanding their reach. These cooperative efforts foster innovation, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and enable libraries to collectively tackle shared challenges in a rapidly evolving information landscape.

For example, in China, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Library Alliance held its Annual Meeting and Forum in November 2024, bringing together library professionals to discuss cooperation and future development strategies.

In Estonia, libraries are also adopting collaborative models, such as the implementation of a new library system in cooperation with partners. These initiatives showcase how partnerships can lead to more efficient systems and stronger professional networks.

Trend Six: Cultural and Social Initiatives

Academic libraries are increasingly engaging in cultural and social initiatives that address broader societal challenges and promote inclusivity. Australia’s focus on decolonization and indigenization reflects a commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives and addressing the legacy of colonialism.

In Germany and South Africa, libraries are aligning their activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting their role in supporting sustainable development. In the United States, initiatives aimed at student well-being underscore the significance of addressing mental health and fostering supportive learning environments.

 Comparative Overview: ARL vs. IFLA Trend Reports 2024

The ARL Country Trend Report 2024 focuses on developments in academic and research libraries, while the IFLA Trend Report 2024 provides a broader perspective across various library sectors worldwide. The table below outlines the key trends identified in both reports:

Trends IFLA ARL Country Trend Report 2024 IFLA Trend Report 2024
Trend One Open Access and Open Science Initiatives Knowledge practices are changing
Trend Two Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Integration AI and other technologies are

transforming society
Trend Three Collection Development and Resource Sharing Trust us being renegotiated
Trend Four Professional Development and Staff Retention Skills and abilities are becoming more complex
Trend Five Collaboration and partnerships Digital technologies are unevenly

distributed
Trend Six Cultural and Social Initiatives Information systems are using more resources
Trend Seven   People are seeking community

connections

Two key trends are common in these two reports. Both reports emphasize the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies, along with the increasing importance of continuous professional development to keep pace with evolving skills and competencies.

Conclusion

The 2024 ARL Country Trend Report captures the dynamic evolution of academic libraries, highlighting key trends such as the expansion of Open Access and Open Science, the integration of AI, efficient resource management, professional development, strategic collaboration, and cultural and social engagement. These trends underscore the vital role academic libraries play in adapting to the changing needs of their communities and contributing to the advancement of global knowledge.

References

Dezuanni, M., Osman, K. Burton, A. & Heck, E. (2024) IFLA Trend Report 2024: Facing the future of information with confidence: Phase 2. Brisbane: Digital Media Research Centre. https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/3496

 

Introducing Evidence-Based Library and Information Practice for Kazakhstani Librarians: A Humble Attempt

  This post is generously contributed by April Manabat, RL, MLIS, a Senior Expert Librarian at the Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.

With the ever-changing informational landscape not to mention the continuous struggle to demonstrate value, librarians are now encouraged to be evidence-based in making decisions to ensure smooth library operations. Being evidence-based requires librarians to conscientiously make decisions supported by evidence to comprehend their users’ needs, thus, improving their service delivery. Coupled with local knowledge and professional expertise, the use of research evidence is crucial, further bridging the gap between research and practice in librarianship (Koufogiannakis, 2015).

A Humble Attempt

In December 2024, The NU Library’s Eurasian Academic Libraries Training (EALT) made a humble attempt to introduce evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) or evidence-based librarianship (EBL) among Kazakhstani librarians. The training was attended by more than 50 librarians across the country who were eager to develop their professional competencies and learn the best practices intended to improve their library services in their respective institutions. The attendees were composed of librarians taking various roles such as managers and directors who were expected to prepare various related reports either on monthly or quarterly basis (60%) and had been asked to make decisions constantly (80%). Unfortunately, while most of them used and analyzed local knowledge such as statistics, feedback, and observations (40%) and trusted their knowledge and experiences (20%) in making decisions, none of them mentioned that they used scientific research data to back up their decisions.

An Insightful Discussion on Evidence

The discussion was indeed insightful. During the discussion, the librarians were introduced to the essential concepts of evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) highlighting its six steps: Articulate, Assemble, Assess, Agree/Apply, Adapt (Koufogiannakis & Brettle, 2016), and Announce/Advocate (Thorpe, 2021). Kazakhstani librarians believe that evidence is needed to ensure that decisions are based on facts rather than on outdated ideas, unfounded opinions, and prejudices. They also noted that using evidence creates dignity and credibility of the profession, thus, increasing its value. Most of the librarians agreed that the use of factual information such as statistics, reports, and analysis were considered essential to ensure the validity of evidence. However, while they understand the pivotal role of evidence in making decisions, they also noted that some evidence might not be available for them due to confidentiality; they find it difficult to identify or choose which evidence to use; evidence might be prone to manipulation and outdated, thus making it unsuitable to use; some were finding it difficult or lazy to search for evidence; and lastly, its tedious and time-consuming.

During the workshop, librarians were asked to articulate the problems in some given cases using the PICO (population-intervention-comparison-outcome) method which originated from evidence-based medicine (EBM). This is the first step in EBLIP. While most of the librarians understood the importance of defining the problem in each context, they found it difficult to identify the problem, assemble the evidence, and apply the evidence in making decisions.

Moving Forward

While EBLIP has been a talked of the town in the profession for quite some time now, it seems to be a relatively new topic among Kazakhstani librarians. There is a noticeable interest among librarians on EBLIP, however, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of its application in the library setting. This is a good opportunity for librarians to develop their decision-making skills in various capabilities. Understanding the value and importance of being evidence-based in making decisions should not be ignored by any professions, librarians included. More than collecting statistics, descriptively analyzing them, and creating typical accomplishment reports when asked, librarians should be encouraged to demonstrate their value and uphold the credibility and dignity of the profession with the use of evidence to support them. After all, librarians and information professionals are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in searching, evaluating, and using information (aka evidence) effectively to make informed decisions.

References

Koufogiannakis, D. (2015). Determinants of evidence use in academic librarian decision

making. College & Research Libraries, 76(1), 100-114. doi:https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.76.1.100

Koufogiannakis, D. & Brettle, A. (2016). A new framework for EBLIP. In A. Brettle & D.

Koufogiannakis (Eds.), Being Evidence Based in Library and Information Practice (pp. 11–18). Facet. https://doi.org/10.29085/9781783301454

Nazarbayev University Library. (2024). Eurasian Academic Libraries Training 2024.

https://library.nu.edu.kz/ealt

Thorpe, C. (2021). Announcing and advocating: The missing step in the EBLIP model.

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 16(4), 118–125. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30044

How Librarians Can Protect Researchers from Untrustworthy Journals and Book Publishers

This post was generously contributed by Lorraine Estelle from Think. Check. Submit., UK.

In the fast-paced realm of academic publishing, researchers are navigating a minefield of options, and not all are genuine. Enter the dubious world of ‘predatory’ publishers and journals—also referred to as fraudulent or misleading publishers and journals. Regardless of the label, these entities share a common objective: exploiting researchers by imposing substantial fees without providing the editorial or peer-review services they guarantee.

Charging fees are a standard publishing model, yet what distinguishes predatory publishers is their bad faith. Rather than advancing knowledge, they capitalise on misrepresentation and manipulation, leaving researchers vulnerable and their work unacknowledged.

The Growing Threat of Predatory Publishing

Predatory publishing isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a global epidemic. Every country is affected, and the rise of online journals has only made it easier for these publishers to operate in disguise. Think you can spot them by their poorly worded emails? Think again. Today’s predatory publishers are increasingly cunning, adopting names that mimic reputable journals and boasting fake impact factors or editorial boards. There are now so-called hijacked journals whose operation is based on copying the website of an existing journal to deceive researchers into submitting their articles to the cloned journal instead of the original. Even experienced academics have been fooled.

A Simple Solution: Think. Check. Submit.

The good news? Researchers don’t have to navigate this alone. Think. Check. Submit. is a cross-sector collaboration that aims to provide researchers with the tools they need to evaluate publishers and journals before submitting their work. Practical checklists, empower researchers to assess a publisher or journal’s trustworthiness and determine if it’s the right fit for their research.

Librarians as Trusted Guides

Librarians play a crucial role in spreading the word about Think. Check. Submit. Library websites are one of the main ways researchers discover this valuable resource. Here’s how your library can help:

  • Add a Link: Include Think. Check. Submit. on your website or LibGuides to make it easy for researchers to access.
  • Share Visual Resources: Download posters, social media graphics, and other materials to promote awareness.
  • Embed the Video: Use the animated Think. Check. Submit. Explainer video to break down the essentials in a fun and memorable way.

By taking these simple steps, librarians can become champions of research integrity, helping researchers avoid the pitfalls of predatory publishing and ensuring their work finds the audience it deserves.

Useful link

Check. Submit. website: https://thinkchecksubmit.org/  

Posters and Social media Graphics for Libraries: https://thinkchecksubmit.org/resource/posters-and-social-media-graphics/ 

Check. Submit. video: https://youtu.be/kmHdR_hlG9Q

Attending the IFLA Information Futures Summit 2024: A Grant Winner’s Experience

This is the third and last post in a series tracking the experiences of the ARL grant recipients who attended the Brisbane summit.

Adi Ela Radini Davuilevu, a library information assistant at Fiji National University, generously contributed to this post.

I had the privilege of attending the IFLA Information Futures Summit 2024, held in Brisbane from September 30 to October 3, as a grant winner sponsored by Sage. This summit provided a valuable platform for library and information science (LIS) professionals to explore emerging trends, share insights, and discuss the future of information services globally.

Among the diverse sessions and discussions, Ms. Gina De Alwis led one of the most impactful presentations I attended. Her session delved into the status of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offerings for LIS employees in selected Asian countries. Through her detailed analysis, Ms De Alwis shared five significant findings, shedding light on progress and ongoing challenges in LIS professional development.

One particularly concerning finding was the limited CPD programming across many regions. Numerous programs were repeated, leaving gaps in innovative learning opportunities for professionals. The absence of structured LIS curricula further compounded the issue, making it difficult for employees to advance their skills or stay updated with evolving industry demands. Ms. De Alwis also identified several critical barriers to CPD success, including a general lack of interest among employees, mainly due to limited opportunities for career progression.

This session underscored the need for a more proactive approach to developing diverse, forward-thinking CPD initiatives to meet the aspirations of LIS professionals. As a grant winner, this experience has inspired me to advocate for improved CPD structures within my network, aiming to foster a more robust culture of continuous learning and advancement in the LIS field.

The memorable experiences at the IFLA Information Futures Summit in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia were significant

 This post is the second in a series of three that track the experiences of the beneficiaries of the ARL grants to attend the Brisbane summit.

This post is generously contributed by Pham Ba Toan, Vietnam National University, University of Science.

 Attending the IFLA Information Futures Summit in Brisbane, Australia, for the first time, with sponsorship from SAGE and the IFLA ARL Section, was a memorable experience that brought many emotions. I was surprised and excited to find out I had been selected to attend this event. IFLA is one of the largest forums in the field of libraries and information, attracting top experts from around the world.

        

Figure 1: Thank you for the participant grant supported by the IFLA ARL Section and SAGE Publisher

Before the Opening day, I was invited to the IFLA Asia & Oceania Division with all IFLA Asia & Oceania Committee members. Mainly, I had a photograph with Gulcin Cribb and Jayshree Mamtora. It is a beautiful time to listen to the practices of colleagues in the IFLA Asia and Oceania Division and the plans people will prepare and organise next year.

In the Opening Session, I was amazed by the cultural performance of a Native Australian girl with her native song and Tyto alba or barn owl symbolic cloth, which is preserved and protected by many descendants. “AI and the Rise of the Digital Minions”, presented by Marek Kowalkiewicz, attracted and affected my work. The AI detection features are incredibly beneficial and practical in the AI rise era based on the Knowledge Creation Map. When applying this, I can recognise AI and understand AI nutrition, which is mentioned in his presentation.

Figure 2: The meaning of Tyto Alba and her Native Culture Preservation Effort story

 

Figure 3: AI Detections and Nutrition Facts

As “Stronger Together”, after each session or summit day, I often had a chance to meet many multicultural friends and chat with them on topics and social life. I met and connected with friends in Oceania nations, including Nelly, Nina, and Lonneth from Vanuatu, Fiji, Miraneta and Ane from Samoa, Kim from New Zealand, and Benzamine from Papua New Guinea. Also, I received a gift for incorporation on information literacy research from Katia, Associate Dean of Research & Assessment and Professor at Georgia Southern University,

Figure 4: International friends met and connected at the IFLA Information Futures Summit

Exploring the Library tour, in my opinion, is one of the best experiences, besides IFLA Summit sessions and IFLA colleagues. I visited three kinds of libraries in Brisbane and GoldCoast, Australia. Exploring with Benzamine, the State Library of Queensland, and the University of Queensland Library is a fantastic tour with the service and technological advancement supporting patrons in reading, learning and researching. Mainly, I was surprised by a Laptop borrowing system in the UQ library where students could exchange or store their laptops and the Edge space where patrons can use 3D printing, laser cutting machines and others such as Makerspace. Otherwise, I travelled to Broadbeach Library, where the community can learn and amuse with many kinds of titles such as literature, sci-fi, etc.

 

Figure 5: Some of the photos on the Library exploration tour

Figure 6: A dinner with library colleagues after the IFLA Information Futures Summit

As a young librarian, I participated in the IFLA Information Futures Summit and gained valuable insights into the significance of artificial intelligence and technological advancements. I realised that connection, collaboration, and community development are emerging as essential trends and missions for libraries of all types. This is particularly relevant to my current role, where I focus on engaging with students, collaborating with student clubs, and preparing training courses. I am grateful for the opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with fellow library colleagues.

My Experience at the IFLA Information Futures Summit 2024

This post is by Ane Ah Poe, one of the beneficiaries of the ARL grant to attend the IFLA Information Futures Summit 2024 in Brisbane, Australia.

Attending this three-day Summit conference with more than 700 participants and 70 nationalities can be an overwhelming experience, exhilarating and enlightening at the same time. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but also taught me more and more about the crucial role of libraries in all countries. This also provided some invaluable networking opportunities and lessons along the way. I am beyond grateful to have received the ARL Grant, which allowed me to attend and learn more about the importance of our roles and responsibilities in amplifying and advocating for our libraries.

This invaluable experience has been thought-provoking and opened worldwide access to challenges and solutions. The vibrant venue and the beautiful people have charged the atmosphere with energy to the point of people engaging in animated discussions and catch-ups. The organisers have done a marvellous job organising this summit, from the well-designed venue, spacious halls and breakout rooms for presentations to the exhibition booths for gathering and collecting more information and resources. As I navigated around each fruitful session, I felt excitement and trepidation as each panel member brought a unique perspective, sharing innovative ways and insights drawn from their experiences and expertise.

All keynote speeches were profoundly highlighted at the conference. Each speaker shares their views and thoughts on moving forward with the modern use of technology, especially AI. We cultivate and captivate the ethical implications of AI in our everyday life. This sparked a thought: as our developed countries are racing and generating AI, I wonder if our Pacific islands are also keeping up with this.

The IFLA strategy should be a great framework and a guideline for your work in your country. This can inspire more library associations to work together for a better future today or tomorrow. The trendsetter can navigate your workspace and create objectives to guide and transform your roles into a more active and generative opportunity to promote and advocate for your libraries.

But beyond the sessions, this Summit provided me with ample networking opportunities. I always find good conversations with people during coffee breaks and meals, engaging with our dear participants from various backgrounds and industries where we share our workspace, experiences, aspirations and challenges. Connections were forged with some professionals whose work I admired, and I learned about their journeys, gaining insights that could apply to my career. There were friendships made in these short periods, and contact details were exchanged to keep in contact and work together.

As the conference ended, I reflected on multiple information and insights I gained. As I head home, I know the renewed sense of purpose inspired me to implement what I learned from this Summit. The connections felt meaningful, and I look forward to nurturing these relationships in the future.

Lastly, my attendance at this Summit was more than just an opportunity to learn and network. It was a transformative experience that ignited a passion for my workspace. I return home with new knowledge and a network of inspiring individuals with the same enthusiasm for innovations and amplifying our libraries. Conferences like this remind us of the power of working together. Collaborating, forging partnerships, building trust, and continuous learning in an ever-evolving platform for our communities and within our libraries. Our theme for this Summit is “Stronger Together!”

Ranking of Academic Libraries

This post is generously contributed by Dr. Sami ÇUHADAR, Director of Libraries, İstanbul Bilgi University, Turkey.

In the ’90s, when I first began studying librarianship, my professors emphasized that libraries consist of five essential elements: building, budget, staff, users, and collection. Many library science studies I encountered also highlighted these criteria. National and international reports that gather data on academic libraries and assess them, such as ARL, SCONUL, IFLA library performance indicators and the Turkish Council of Higher Education (CoHE) Monitoring and Assessment Report, are also based on these generally five basic elements. While there have been some positive developments in evaluating academic libraries, no fundamental changes have occurred.

Advancements in information and communication technologies have significantly impacted libraries. Printed collections are increasingly being replaced by electronic resources and face-to-face reference services are being supplanted by online reference services or ChatBots.

It is essential to enhance the visibility of academic libraries, review their business processes and revise the evaluation criteria in light of changing conditions. In addition to the current library evaluation criteria, new metrics such as usage, satisfaction, technology, visibility on the web, services/reference and contribution to society should be included to assess academic libraries comprehensively.

Beyond evaluating academic libraries through reports, an international library ranking system would be more comprehensive and beneficial. Ranking is the process of arranging a set of elements based on their degree of success, achievement or competitive outcomes based on specific criteria. Ranking contributes to identifying areas for improvement in institutions, fosters continual improvement and facilitates the development of a competitive environment. Furthermore, it enables institutions to enhance their visibility and allows for the periodic renewal and update of the criteria for evaluation and ranking according to contemporary conditions.

Various rankings are conducted in numerous different sectors. Countries have historically been categorized into developed, developing or underdeveloped based on criteria like GDP, labor force and economic indicators. Organizations such as the OECD assess educational systems through programs like PISA to rank countries by educational performance. Universities worldwide are ranked by multiple institutions using criteria such as academic performance, research output and teaching quality. Scientific journals are also categorized by impact and citations. These rankings are crucial, especially for universities, as they enhance visibility, academic success and competitiveness. The data collected includes international collaborations, research output and student and faculty metrics, influencing strategic planning and decision-making for academics and students choosing institutions.

The creation of a ranking system for evaluating academic libraries would be justified. Academic library ranking systems can make significant contributions by establishing new basic and sub-criteria. The university library ranking fulfills several significant roles:

– It serves as a tool for identifying areas that institutions can improve.

– It fosters ongoing improvement and cultivates a competitive environment.

– It boosts institutional visibility and periodically updates evaluation criteria.

– It enhances the efficiency and transparency of services.

– It reinforces communication channels between libraries and university management.

– It streamlines the collection, analysis and distribution of qualitative data on libraries.

– Ultimately, it contributes to enhancing university library services.

In this context, creating a ranking system for university libraries that excel in providing cutting-edge information services to advance the production of scientific knowledge can elevate the significance of libraries and promote competition by providing access to library-related data and advanced services.

The significance of ranking systems is often emphasized in numerous articles and discussions. According to the European University Association’s report, “Rankings have acted as a “wake-up call” to the higher education community in terms of their competitive position, at national and international level, and the necessity to enhance institutional intelligence and develop an evidence-base for strategic decision-making.” Additionally, Prof. Dr. Ural Akbulut, co-founder of University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), stated “We cannot achieve our goals without knowing our current position. Rankings provide the coordinates of our current location“.

Ranking university libraries is essential for widespread information dissemination, technology utilization, infrastructure improvement and fostering a collaborative academic community. This approach can significantly enhance the credibility, transparency and global impact of library rankings, leading to continual improvement of library services worldwide and a meaningful impact on the academic landscape.

This topic is open for further discussion and stands to be a new frontier in the assessment of academic libraries.