Academic libraries break down silos
| Published date | 08 January 2018 |
| Pages | 135-138 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-11-2017-0111 |
| Date | 08 January 2018 |
| Author | Bruce Massis |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Academic libraries break
down silos
Bruce Massis
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paperis to illustrate examples of the manner by which the academiclibrary
breaks down the siloson a college campus.
Design/methodology/approach –Literaturereview and commentary on this topic have been addressed
by professionals,researchers and practitioners.
Findings –On a college campus,the value and impact of the academic library is today more than that of the
standard model of librariesin which reference librarians offer availableappropriate academic resources; but,
the academic libraryis a place where the teaching and learning model of the standardmodel meets that of the
supportmodel to provide its users the best service by incorporating both aspects of the service.
Originality/value –The significance in exploringthis topic is to provide evidence by which the academic
library can and doesoffer a multitude of services that it can serve as the literal and physicalcenter of a college
campus.
Keywords Libraries, Faculty, Instruction, Academic, Students, Silos
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
The academic library has sometimes been lightheartedly referred to as “Switzerland”
because of its proud history of neutrality. Even the building itself is frequently physically
located directly in the middleof a college campus for ease of access by all. Its mission is well
known in that its programs and services serve the entire campus community without
question. Included in its many partnerships, it tends to provide its offerings to the
community as well. There are numerous instances where it has partnered with a public
library so that such collaboration can serve the municipality as well as the college
community with complimentary services. The academic library is also in the rare position
where, because it provides equal services across the campus, every department or
individual, whether faculty, staff or administrator, is welcomed. Even if there is theoretical
internecine warfare on campus, or skirmishingamong differing political groups, the library
continually represents safe and neutral space for all sides to come to meet peacefully and
discuss their differences, or to seek research to bolster their positions without judgment
from the librarians. Therefore, academic libraries and librarians can be proud that they are
appreciated by the campus community and that their value and impact have not lessened
the symbolism of neutrality surroundingits innate influence in breaking down the silos and
creating enduringrespect.
Breaking down silos in the academic library demonstrating internal value
A challenge to the academic library manager, one that must be addressed early on in the
tenure of a new library director, is to break down the silos in one’s ownlibrary. This can be a
Declaration: I declare that there is no potential conflict of interest in the research.
Academic
libraries break
down silos
135
Received12 November 2017
Revised12 November 2017
Accepted14 November 2017
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.119 No. 1/2, 2018
pp. 135-138
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-11-2017-0111
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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