The CIBER research group at University College London has announced the availability of the final report for its global library survey that concerns the challenges, trends and best practices during tough economic times. Co-sponsored by Charleston Conference, Baker & Taylor’s YBP Library Services and ebrary, the survey was completed by 835 institutions around the world. A complimentary copy of the final report can be obtained by registering at http://www.ebrary.com/corp/inforequest/survey2009.jsp.
According to the survey, the current financial year is a tough one for academic libraries, with 34.7 percent of institutions receiving a total library budget that is at least 5 percent smaller than the previous year (excluding inflation). The outlook in two years time is mixed, with 31.4 percent expecting their total library budget to be smaller than in the current financial year, 40.1 percent about the same, and 28.4 percent expecting an increase. Overall, resource budgets are more vulnerable than personnel, services or infrastructure, with monographs and print journals being the most vulnerable to cutbacks.
When trimming their resources budget, libraries were least likely to cut e-books, followed by electronic-only serials and database subscriptions. About 52.5 percent of libraries view the acceleration of print to digital as the most effective option for balancing their budgets, with subscription as the most popular method. Just under half of all libraries see the demonstration of value through usage and outcomes data as the smartest way to manage the cost of resources.
Dr. Allen McKiel, Dean of Library and Media Services at Western Oregon University, will lead an interactive presentation of the final results at ALA Midwinter. The event is slated for January 16, 2010, from 10:30 am to 12 pm at the Boston Park Plaza in Boston. All are invited to discuss what the findings mean for libraries as well as possible responses and solutions. Librarians, faculty members, publishers and others are encouraged to write papers on the survey.
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