The Modern Academic Library: Changing Times, Evolving Roles

Abstract

In recent years, there have been significant changes in the role of the academic library that has had an impact on the teaching, learning and research of the university. The library has become engaged in new and innovative areas leading to a repositioning of their role and function. In this presentation, I will explore some of the trends and developments that have led to this paradigm shift. For example, providing more meaningful user experiences for our staff and students; enhancing the digital fluency of the user; incorporating new technologies such as artificial intelligence in processes; and partnering with researchers for improved scholarly communication, to name a few. I will seek to highlight some of these innovations and encourage participants to reflect on the needs of their own users and how, and in what way, changes could be brought about to improve practices in their own institutions.