Pro Re Nata - Shelley Arvin Blog: Pro Re Nata Blog

Three Overriding Functions of Libraries

An academic library performs three overriding functions for its institution

1. Build and manage a relevant, high quality collection of information resources;
2. Facilitate and maintain efficient and effective access to information resources;
3. Provide instruction and support regarding the use of information resources. (Also called information literacy.)

All library services can be mapped to one or more of these three functions. Each function is distinct and deserves respect.

• A library can have a relevant, high quality collection of information resources that nobody could access or know how to use.
• A library can provide effective and efficient access to information resources but the resources could be of low quality or no one knows of them or how to use them.
• Or the library can teach and support the use of information resources but they are of low quality, of low value, or no one can get to them.

Therefore, all three of these functions must be safeguarded in order to provide to Indiana State University an effective, relevant library.

In addition, the library includes employees with specialty skills and knowledge that add value to the university and control costs. For example, units within the university have in the past purchased and managed their own information resources. But the library has an employee with professional expertise and familiarity with the contracts and licensing of information resources, which saves the university money lost to nonoptimal contractual commitments to information resources. In addition, university faculty teach students how to find and use the information resources within their major. However, ISU librarians have spent years specializing in the information resources of specific disciplines and provide instruction and support to students, freeing up faculty time.

Because these three functions distributed and shared amongst various librarians and staff with varying areas of expertise, varying levels of experience, and various roles, an efficient, well functioning library system requires the cooperation and interconnectedness of the many different units.