The Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and EDUCAUSE are working together to better understand how research libraries, as collaborative partners in the research and learning enterprise, can best advance research and learning during these times of significant changes in the production, dissemination, and reuse of digital content.
The three partner organizations are focused on understanding how such technologies and emerging disciplines as data science, artificial intelligence, mobility and ubiquitous networking, cloud and ambient computing, augmented/virtual reality, and the internet of things are—and are not—fundamentally transforming the way research and learning occur. More specifically, the partners will focus on understanding the role research libraries are playing and need to play in this dynamic context.
This project is organized in three phases over 18 months. It will engage experts, leaders and community members from research libraries, information technology, higher education, the research enterprise, and the three organizations. The project will develop a set of recommendations and possible actions for key stakeholders, the broader community, and the partner organizations to consider in response to findings related to the following questions:
- Based on technologies considered most critical in research and learning, what knowledge and competencies do research library leaders and staff need?
- What can research libraries do now to advance their knowledge and practice in these technologies given their current and potential impact on research and learning? What support is needed to do so?
- How should research libraries remain strategically aligned with and capable of adopting digital innovations as collaborative partners in advancing research and learning?
As a result of the recommendations, we will seek to create pathways that position research libraries to positively impact the research enterprise under dynamic digital conditions that continue to dramatically change our world.
For more information please contact:
- Mary Lee Kennedy, Executive Director, ARL
- Clifford Lynch, Executive Director, CNI
- John O'Brien, President and CEO, EDUCAUSE, or Susan Grajek, Vice President for Communities and Research, EDUCAUSE
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 124 research libraries in Canada and the US whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise, promotes equity and diversity, and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information. ARL is on the web at ARL.org.
About the Coalition for Networked Information
The Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) is a joint program of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and EDUCAUSE that promotes the use of information technology to advance scholarship and education. Some 240 organizations representing higher education, publishing, information technology, scholarly and professional organizations, foundations, and libraries and library organizations, make up CNI's members. Learn more at www.cni.org.
About EDUCAUSE
EDUCAUSE is a community of IT leaders and professionals working together to tackle challenges and leverage opportunities that are constantly evolving within higher education. EDUCAUSE welcomes diversity, in viewpoints and experience, and believes in the transformative power of uncommon thinking for the common good. Visit http://educause.edu/.
