Since 2009, the Board of Directors of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has been working to determine how best to help members demonstrate the value of academic libraries to the academy. ACRL is interested in developing research that will support advocacy efforts for libraries with decision-makers and funders in higher education. After an invitational meeting in July 2009, ACRL took the first step of issuing a request for proposals for a comprehensive review of the quantitative and qualitative literature, methodologies and best practices currently in place for demonstrating the value of academic libraries. Subsequently, Dr. Megan Oakleaf was selected to carry out this work. In April 2011 ACRL adopted a new strategic plan with the Value of Academic Libraries (VAL) as one of three goal areas and in May of that year the Board charged the VAL Committee.
Learn more about current VAL initiatives and learning oportunities below and visit the VAL publications page for more information on research reports from past initiatives.
COVID-19 Protocols in Academic Libraries in Canada and the United States
To better understand measures taken by academic libraries in Canada and the United States, ACRL's Value of Academic Libraries (VAL) Committee formed a subcommittee to examine how academic libraries adjusted and provided services to their respective institutions during COVID-19 pandemic. This report is the culmination of this examination.
Libraries and Learning Analytics: The Future is Now Webcast
Held on November 17, 2022, this workshop is a continuation of the November 2021 ACRL ULS webinar, "Libraries and Learning Analytics: Facts, False Choices, and Future Forays" (watch recording), and is designed to help librarians take the next step in learning analytics preparedness by guiding them through a series of activities designed to support them in thinking through decisions, data, and conversations necessary for ethical, effective, and engaging learning analytics work at their institutions.
Watch the webcast recording.
Learning Analytics Toolkit
Developed by the ACRL Value of Academic Libraries Committee, the ACRL Learning Analytics Toolkit is a freely available professional development resource that library professionals can use to learn more about learning analytics and how they intersect with academic libraries.
Learn more!Online Learning
ACRL’s Online Learning program provides a unique opportunity to participate in professional development events that are focused on practical, tangible topics to meet the demands of your schedule and budget. Check out our archive of recordings of past webcasts covering Value of Academic Libraries topics. For a full listing of ACRL's Online Learning opportunities, visit our Conferences and Online Learning page.
