COVID is having immediate and long-term impacts on the use of libraries. But these changes will probably not alter the importance of the academic library as a space. In the decade pre COVID libraries saw a growing number of visits, despite the increasing availability of material digitally. The first part of the article offers an analysis of the…

This paper examines the role of librarians in e-learning programs, as a consequence of post-COVID adaptations in Nigerian universities. Through a review of the relevant literature and of current practice in existing e-learning programs in Nigerian universities, a discussion is developed around the significant roles librarians can play. The…

In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many academic libraries sought virtual instruction options, like the embedded librarian model, bringing renewed interest to the topic. Debates defining embedded librarianship are plentiful and varied, but a review of the professional literature reveals a commonly used metaphor comparing embedded librarians to…

"Predatory" publishing is a non-binary academic phenomenon, but personal and professional biases may influence the criteria used to create associated blacklists and whitelists. Academic librarians, as scholarly communicators, play an essential role in transmitting accurate information about "predatory" publishing to students,…

Research Libraries UK is a consortium of 37 of the UK and Ireland's largest research libraries with the purpose of convening its members around the key issues that affect them, to represent their collective voice, to support them as they face shared challenges, and to be an effective advocate on their behalf. In fulfilment of these roles, RLUK…

During the pandemic we have found that the experience of interaction online, whether with other people, or with information is very different from what we do in person. And this experience is seldom compared favourably to physical, interaction. Thanks to the A level algorithm fiasco, algorithms are treated with growing scepticism and social media…

Summer 2020 witnessed a large-scale temporary release of content from the publishing community to support UK universities as they moved to online-only delivery, followed by a scramble by those institutions to maintain access to resources. This paper reflects on the experiences of De Montfort University and Imperial College libraries during this…

The South African Higher Education Institution (HEI) sector had to move to 'emergency' online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they embraced a humanistic approach underpinned by the need to complete the academic year in 2020 and support all students. Because this emergency online learning accelerated the digital shift, evidence of…

This paper focuses on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic library operations. In the quest to render fast, effective and efficient services, academic libraries have adopted different technologies in the past. Artificial intelligence technologies is the latest among the technologies…

Across the sector, universities are transforming the student experience by reconceptualising the ways in which they partner with students. The academic library is at the heart of the university experience and libraries have a long history of collaboration and engaging with their communities. As such academic libraries are the perfect next frontier…

This case study looks at the University of Manchester Library Student Team (UMLST) as a model for inclusive community engagement. It examines the impact of working with students as co-creators and explores how the ideas, insights and value they bring serve to drive change in a way that enables the Library to deliver in relation to current student…

The paper will explore how the UCL Student Centre, opened in 2019, responds to the emphasis on 'research-based education' in the UCL Education Strategy. It discusses the high levels of engagement at different levels, which characterised the design of the building, and how services and spaces were designed around student needs. The paper will aim…

Academic libraries are increasingly becoming affected by intrusive and disruptive technologies, changing user needs, and alternative information providers who offer similar services as the library. The dilemma of academic libraries is evident, based on the declining support from parent institutions and decreasing patronage. In the face of stiff…

The Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) is a national initiative to record academic and extra-curricular achievement throughout a student's time at university. The Library and Learning Resources training team's pre-existing employability-focused content included a lecture on social media and digital footprint, and the Microsoft Office…

Data management is a way for liaison librarians to support faculty research. American liaison librarians face new demands in data management due to expanding public access guidelines. This article gives advice for librarians new to data management, with the specific case of agriculture. For librarians supporting agriculture, the United States…