Science Library Trends at ARL Institutions

Authors

  • Chris Doty
  • Kristan Majors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/istl8

Abstract

This study uses qualitative and quantitative data to identify science library trends at Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions. Our recent count found 69% of all ARL academic institutions have at least one science library. Comparing our data to a 2010 study of American ARL institutions, the number of science libraries at American ARL institutions is down 17%. Our analysis shows this decrease is due in large part to a continuing trend of departmental libraries (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, and physics) merging into multidisciplinary science libraries. We also surveyed ARL science libraries and found that their primary focus is on providing comfortable, inviting study space and promoting student and/or faculty collaboration. Both datasets from this study can be used to support the ongoing management of science libraries, including collections, facilities, and services.

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Author Biographies

Chris Doty

Chris Doty
chris.doty@emory.edu
Science Librarian
Robert W. Woodruff Library
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia

Kristan Majors

Kristan Majors
kmajors@emory.edu
Science Librarian and Assessment Coordinator
Robert W. Woodruff Library
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia

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Published

2019-07-15

How to Cite

Doty, C., & Majors, K. (2019). Science Library Trends at ARL Institutions. Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, (92). https://doi.org/10.29173/istl8

Issue

Section

Refereed Articles
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