The intelligent university library

Abstract

The aim of this short conference presentation was to highlight the importance of seeking alternative technological approaches to the optimization of university libraries’ resources and services. It discusses briefly the changes that are taking place in universities, and the importance for libraries of being seen to contribute to facilitating those changes. It explains the growing importance of research activity, and the expectations of researchers, an increasingly influential group in universities. It then goes on to outline the potential for increasing collections of electronic information by redirecting some of the effort of the libraries’ staff towards discovering and securing resources that are already available and offer data and information that may be valued by researchers. Finally, it provides a reminder that it is not enough to be good at what you do unless this is recognised, and stresses the importance of networking and advocacy as a means of providing a constant reminder to the influential and decision makers. An earlier version of this paper was presented at ‘Los Sistemas Bibliotecarios – Desarrollo y Perspectivas’ [Library Systems – Development and Perspectives]: 14th International Conference on University Libraries organised by Dirección General de Bibliotecas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 16th to 18th November, 2016.