Claire Shaw 

University libraries: 10 global portraits

University library chiefs worldwide reveal the challenges they face, plans for the future, and their role in higher education
  
  


America: New York University library

Well-designed space is one of the most important services an academic library can offer, says dean of library Carol Mandel


Read Carol's interview

UK: University of Manchester library

The library is not being used less, it's just user needs that are changing, says university librarian Janet Wilkinson – so don't forget the wifi

Read Janet's interview

Japan: Hachioji library, Tama Art University

A university library designed by a world-leading architect inspires and challenges in equal measure, says library head Hidemi Kondo

Read Hidemi's interview

Nigeria: American University of Nigeria library

Open access and libraries centred around online learning and research are key in developing countries, says library director Amed Demirhan

Read Amed's interview

UK: Bodleian library, University of Oxford

We need to shape the skills of library staff to meet user needs while maintaining specialist knowledge, says interim Bodley's librarian Richard Ovenden


Read Richard's interview

Australia: Queensland University of Technology library

With 97% of its research downloads from outside Australia, the library's open access expertise is invaluable, says library director Judy Stokker


Read Judy's interview

Singapore: Nanyang Technological University library

Finding information is not the problem, says university librarian Choy Fatt Cheong – libraries are now taking the lead on how to communicate it

Read Choy's interview

Brazil: Unicamp library system

The academic library must go where the user is and provide access to the latest technologies, says library coordinator Luiz Atilio Vicentini

Read Luiz's interview

Canada: Harris Learning library, Nipissing University

Traditional research methods are still in high demand, says director of library services Nancy Black – and library staff continue to play a vital role

Read Nancy's interview

Italy: European University Institute library

Libraries small and large will benefit from collaboration to sustain learning and exchange knowledge, says deputy library director Tommaso Giordano

Read Tommaso's interview

Are you a university librarian or staff member? Share your thoughts in the comments below and tweet us using the hashtag #libraryfutures

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