Educating at scale: sustainable library learning at the University of Melbourne
Abstract
Purpose
Most libraries in higher education are facing the challenge of providing valued and improved services with the same or fewer resources. Focussing on the library learning service at one university, the purpose of this paper is to consider how libraries can find new service models with contracting resources while aligning with institutional and professional values and providing value-in-use for end users and key stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a discussion of sustainability as relevant to library services, the paper presents a case study of one library’s approach to sustaining its library learning service.
Findings
The sustainability of library services is aided by developing a service blueprint that provides direction and structure yet is dynamic and responsive. To be successful the approach should be grounded in resource realities, encourage scalability where possible and address the values and needs of key stakeholders.
Originality/value
The paper presents a workable, integrated approach to managing a library learning service so that it delivers value and is sustainable.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conceptualization and implementation of the Library’s library learning program is a task of many, not one. Particular thanks and acknowledgement to Jenny Ellis, Director Scholarly Information and Hero Macdonald, Biosciences Librarian and Program Lead, Library Learning for many hours of engaging thought, debate and discussion that have developed the Library’s program and continue to move it into the future.
Citation
Phillips, A. (2016), "Educating at scale: sustainable library learning at the University of Melbourne", Library Management, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-04-2016-0020
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited