Legal Research

Reconceiving Research Libraries

In August 2008 CLIR, the Council on Library and Information Resources, released No Brief Candle: Reconceiving Research Libraries for the 21st Century.
http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub142/pub142.pdf (81 page PDF)

Abstract:

"This new title from CLIR, No Brief Candle: Reconceiving the Research Library
for the 21st Century, is composed of a series of provocative essays, the
proceedings of a lively and informed symposium earlier this year in
Washington, and a set of recommendations extrapolated from both. While
several of the subject headings are familiar?scholarly communication,
peer review, preservation of data, and e-science?the conclusions and
recommendations are not. The consensus derived from these efforts was
unambiguous in calling for more aggressive intervention to better structure
and manage the challenges we face.

This report demands change. Common themes include collaboration
between librarians, faculty, and information technology experts to articulate
strategies and tactical approaches to a rapidly changing environment. This
represents a broad research agenda that cannot be executed by a single
profession. We are asked collectively to rethink current hiring practices,
to provide for new career paths and opportunities for professional
development, and to consider redefining libraries as multi-institutional
entities. The latter entails a mandate to eliminate redundancy by calibrating
resources, staff, and infrastructure functions to the collective enterprise of
the federated institutions. This transcends the traditional concept of a library
(and by extension a university or college) while preserving the programmatic
strengths and mission of the individual schools, and in fact should enhance
intellectual productivity in a far more cost-effective fashion.

As the title of this report suggests, this is not a passing phase in higher
education. It is a transformational period that requires innovation and risk. I
sincerely hope this publication will engender further discussion, new ideas,
and collaborative efforts that respect our traditions while recognizing the
urgency for invigorated leadership and new direction."

The publication is a collection of papers from a meeting convened by CLIR of librarians, publishers, faculty members, and information technology specialists on February 27, 2008 .

Another one worth reading.

Stephen

Full post as published by Stephen's Lighthouse on September 12, 2008 (boomark / email).