Digital Assets and Digital Transformation of the Library
Securing funding requires a compelling case for support. It is time to strategically plan for digital assets and visualization spaces. Start by:
- Demonstrating Impact: Presenting data on the positive impact of library services on student success and institutional advancement.
- Exploring Funding Sources: Identifying a variety of funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and internal allocations.
- Educating Stakeholders: Informing university leaders, faculty, and student groups about the value of the library and its evolving role.
Moving beyond a single “study hall” model. We design for diverse needs: quiet individual study, collaborative group work, spaces for casual interaction (like a café setting), and specialized areas for exhibits and academic skills programs. Brawne (1970) highlighted the importance of considering expansion possibilities, even if not immediately planned, by strategically locating spaces near potential growth areas.
Understanding this historical trajectory is crucial. We learn from past successes and failures, recognizing that each era demanded a different approach to library design and service delivery. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment, poised to create libraries that are not just relevant, but indispensable to the future of higher education. As Aaron Cohen eloquently pointed out in the early 2000s, effective library planning requires a proactive vision, not simply responding to immediate needs. It requires a shift to manage digital assets as well as physical spaces.