July-August 2010

The ACRL Research, Planning and Review Committee recently released its 2010 list of Top Ten Trends in Academic Libraries. Here’s the list, which is compiled from an extensive review of current literature and supplemented with a modest e-mail survey of current practitioners:

1. Academic library collection growth is driven by patron demand and will include new resource types.
2. Budget challenges will continue and libraries will evolve as a result.
3. Changes in higher education will require that librarians possess diverse skill sets.
4. Demands for accountability and assessment will increase.
5. Digitization of unique library collections will increase and require a larger share of resources.
6. Explosive growth of mobile devices and applications will drive new services.
7. Increased collaboration will expand the role of the library within the institution and beyond.
8. Libraries will continue to lead efforts to develop scholarly communication and intellectual property services.
9. Technology will continue to change services and required skills.
10. The definition of the library will change as physical space is repurposed and virtual space expands.

Because of the manner in which the list is compiled, there aren’t any real surprises. However, as a whole, these trends portend a different kind of library service - leaner, patron driven, technology rich, and accountable to all components of the campus community. As user expectations continue to rise, librarians are increasingly making hard choices with regard to both institutional and personal effectiveness. They are adapting new technologies, forsaking outdated practices, and collaborating across organizations to deliver modern library services. Although all these changes have been in the works for a while, the economic crisis has accelerated implementation. Perhaps that’s the silver lining in an otherwise terrible economic catastrophe.

Allison S. Wheeler, Director of the St. Lawrence-Lewis School Library System, is the recipient of 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the School Library Systems Association of New York State (SLSA). The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a School Library System Director whose work exemplifies six areas of consideration: professional leadership, professional service, information sharing, collaboration, quality programs and creative service. Jennifer Henry, SLSA President-Elect, made the following remarks during the award presentation: "Allison is the definition of the consummate professional. Her level of thoughtfulness in presentation, her constant and unwavering professional manner, and her demonstrated commitment to excellence have earned her the respect of her peers and colleagues throughout New York State at the local, regional and state levels.

Allison Wheeler (left) received the School Library Systems Association's Distinguished Service Award at the SLMS conference banquet in Albany.  She is shown receiving the award from Jennifer Henry, SLSA President Elect.

Mrs. Wheeler’s professional leadership is demonstrated by the many offices she has held for SLSA and the Northern Area School Library Media Specialists, an affiliate of the New York Library Association/School Library Media Section. Regionally, she serves on the automation committee of the Northern New York Library Network, the local 3Rs, and previously was a member of its Board of Trustees.

As one of her colleagues put it, because of Allison, "the light of leadership has shined consistently at a higher level and the beams of light have been among the brightest at the St. Lawrence Lewis BOCES School Library System."