The Challenges of Digital Collections in Academic Libraries (Part 2)

Part 1 explored what digital collections do well: more space, wider access and new ways to use the library. But going digital also brings challenges, and academic libraries need to plan for them. Here are three of the biggest.

1. The digital divide

Digital resources only help the students who can reach them. In Jisc’s 2024/25 Digital Experience Insights survey of more than 15,000 UK higher education students, 37% said they had lacked access to a suitable device at some point. Among international students, that figure rose to 49%.

Libraries can help close the gap with device loans, on-campus computer access and quiet study space. They can also advocate for equal access to online resources for every student.

2. Data and privacy

Borrowing a print book only takes a library card. Digital services usually require an account with a third-party provider, and that means sharing personal data.

Librarians need to know how long that data is kept, what it is used for and how it is protected. The same applies to generative AI tools such as ChatGPT: any data shared with them must comply with privacy law.

3. A fragmented collection

When print and digital grow side by side without a plan, the collection fragments. The result is duplicated titles, outdated resources and gaps in essential course content.

One collection, managed with evidence

Students don’t see a print collection and a digital one. They see one library, and it should be managed that way.

cHQacademic gives academic libraries clear evidence about their collection: what is used, what is outdated and where the gaps are against the curriculum. That makes it easier to keep the collection lean, protect essential course materials and put every pound or dollar where students need it most.

See your collection clearly. Book a free cHQacademic demo.