Are We Reconfigured Yet? US Research Libraries – Priorities, Trends, Directions

Exclusively for OCLC Research Library Partners, this webinar will provide a synthesis of the priorities and trends affecting US research libraries in the twenty-first century and the directions they are taking.

In this webinar, OCLC Research Library Partnership Vice President Jim Michalko will share a synthesis of the priorities and trends affecting US research libraries in the twenty-first century, the directions they are taking, and the ways in which OCLC Research seeks to respond to these concerns and advance the desired directions. This synthesis is based on a series of interviews that Jim conducted with the senior staff at more than 65 OCLC Research Library Partner institutions, as well as surveys by OCLC staff and visits to institutions by OCLC field staff. Jim observed a surprisingly strong convergence of concern around a small number of issues despite differences in library size, constituencies, funding and geography. This suggests that a new pattern of investment has begun that will result in a new portfolio of library services. The exact service offerings vary from institution to institution as they take shape through close attention to and engagement with the local institutional mission and the needs of the local constituency.