Private philanthropic trends in academic libraries (Chandos Information Professional Series)

摘要

The proverbial relative poverty of governments and institutions has suddenly worsened in recent years, and libraries have been easy targets for 'savings'. This book notes reasons (e.g. Chapter 4, The Challenge of New Technologies and Information Delivery Changes, surveys the influence of these factors during the past two decades) and promotes proactive readiness. The main thesis is that traditional philanthropy is still alive, and academic libraries must seek out and tap into this source. Gonzalez is Dean of Libraries at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with experience in East Coast universities in the USA, and it is this geographical and historical bias which informs the book. Nevertheless, similar general problems and proposals also have validity in Australasia, and it is well worth considering the philanthropic solutions which the author discusses. Financial survival is a key function of library management in a situation where academic managers may query the need for a separate library service in a digital age. Be prepared!