Academic Library Futures in a Diversified University System

Two OCLC librarians consider the future of the academic library in the context of a diversifying higher education system. The academic library is adapting to the changing research and learning behaviors of its home institution, which are the principal drivers of the library service. The authors explore ways in which libraries are responding to the transition from a collections-based model to a more diffuse services-based model. The model of excellence for libraries will need to be plural, based on strategic fit to the needs of the institution they serve and not on collection size or gate count.