The value of academic libraries

Abstract

Academic libraries have long enjoyed their status as the heart of the university. However, in recent decades, higher education environments have changed. Government officials see higher education as a national resource. Employers view higher education institutions as producers of a commoditystudent learning. Top academic faculty expect higher education institutions to support and promote cuttingedge research. Parents and students expect higher education to enhance students collegiate experience, as well as propel their career placement and earning potential. Not only do stakeholders count on higher education institutions to achieve these goals, they also require them to demonstrate evidence that they have achieved them. The same is true for academic libraries; they too can provide evidence of their value. Community college, college, and university librarians no longer can rely on their stakeholders belief in their importance. Rather, they must demonstrate their value.