Academic publisher SAGE recently released a report on Library Value in the Developing World. According to the report, raising awareness of how the library supports teaching and research staff is key to demonstrating librarian value in developing countries. The findings are the result of a six-month research study with 12 developing-country institutions conducted by SAGE, exploring perceptions of the value of academic libraries by teaching and research staff.
Library Value in the Developing World reports that developing country librarians are beginning to recognize the importance of appraising their value for research and teaching staff. Librarians noted that while they receive positive feedback about the resources they provide, there is limited awareness of how librarians can better support research and teaching staff beyond traditional parameters. Outlined in the report are examples of best practice from the case study institutions, along with considerations of how working relations between academic libraries and stakeholders can be enhanced.
The report will be presented at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2013 in Singapore on August 20.