Academic libraries are the heart of a university campus. However, in the past several years, it is clear that their function is changing.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for digital collections and the creation of technology-first spaces has been increasing.
Library Journal found that over 60% of surveyed students reported that their most common interaction with the academic library was to access digital resources. As a result, many academic libraries are downsizing their physical collections and making big changes to ensure that the library remains a useful space for students, staff, and researchers.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the advantages of digital collections in academic libraries – for students and librarians – and how digital resources can be used to improve user experience.
A space-saving exercise
The digital library is becoming more of a feature in academic settings.
A core reason for this shift is to encourage patron engagement.
Another is that academic libraries are running out of physical space.
In 2017, for example, Cambridge University began work on a £17.1 million off-site storage facility for over eight million physical resources.
Currently, the London Library is working at around 95% capacity, which means existing shelf space can’t keep up with the demand for new materials. As a result, they are considering removing some older materials where an up-to-date version exists online.
Digital library collections remove these issues around physical space.
Cloud-based storage for online resources enables academic librarians to build much larger collections of resources that are consistently updated, from traditional textbooks to research papers and peer-reviewed journals.
The pros of the digital library
More accessible materials
Digital collections improve the accessibility of materials in several ways.
Sometimes, reducing the size of physical collections can result in students needing to pay for course materials: something not everyone can afford.
Digital collections remove this worry by providing access to essential texts and resources on and off campus. All students need is an internet connection!
Additionally, digitally archiving rare first edition materials enables more people to access them without causing any damage to the materials themselves.
Digital collections can be hugely beneficial for researchers, too. AI-based advanced search features and filtering options, for example, help users to pinpoint the resources they are looking for far quicker than they would perusing the shelves.
Finally, digital collections make library materials more accessible beyond the literal meaning of the word.
Digital resources typically include features like:
- Adjustable font sizes
- Translation tools
- Text-to-speech functionalities.
These tools help to ensure that academic resources meet the needs of all learners.
With so many benefits, it’s little wonder that digital collections help to build better engagement with the academic library.
The sustainable choice?
Physical collections require a lot of maintenance, space, and – for rarer materials – climate-controlled environments to preserve their condition. This results in extensive energy usage and a big carbon footprint.
The environmental impact of academic libraries can be decreased by digital collections. Alongside preventing outdated physical materials from being discarded, digital libraries eliminate some physical storage and printing requirements.
This can then enable you to reinvigorate your physical spaces to more effectively meet the needs of your patrons.
Improved collaboration opportunities
When less physical space is needed for collections, academic libraries can instead create collaborative spaces for students to connect and work on projects together.
These spaces can be supported by digital tools, such as platforms where students can share resources, notes, and insights.
Reduced material costs
Finally, digital collections can help academic libraries cut costs.
There is no doubt that concerns exist with the rental model of digital materials, such as high fees per item and short rental lease terms. Earlier this year, it was reported that 76% of surveyed UK academic libraries had cut their spending on journals and academic resources due to budget cuts.
Academic librarians also need to consider the increased IT and security infrastructure required with digital collections, and weigh up the cost of these against the work required in existing physical spaces.
Open educational resources (OER) can provide an effective way to combat some of these concerns.
These materials are freely available to access online, and so can be used by your library to replace some of your more expensive subscriptions and certain physical materials once they become outdated.
Integrating multimedia digital resources into academic libraries
Of course, digital resources in academic libraries go beyond the collection itself.
Interactive maps, virtual tours, and lab simulations are just a few examples of where technology can be leveraged in the library.
Multimedia resources – such as 3D printers and laser cutters in makerspaces – are becoming more popular in academic libraries.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is also becoming increasingly sought-after in academic libraries.
For example, The University of Calgary, has three separate virtual reality spaces that are bookable for teaching, learning, and research purposes. The University of Michigan also has a virtual reality lab with software for students to make their own VR content.
VR can make immersive research opportunities more readily available and rare resources more accessible. If students own VR headsets, they can access these experiences from home too.
These multimedia resources come at a cost and can put pressure on libraries already facing funding cuts. However, if you can offer them, you create brand new ways for students to engage with the library.
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Hopefully, this blog has reinforced some of the many benefits of establishing digital collections and resources in academic libraries.
Of course, there are some disadvantages too…
To find out more about them – and how cHQacademic helps you create a cohesive collection of both digital and physical materials, you’ll have to check out part two!