The strategic positioning of academic libraries

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “The Strategic Positioning of Academic Libraries: Global Challenges, Local Politics and Strategy Development” explores the influence exerted by trends in higher education and the wider world on the position of academic libraries, alongside an analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It provides an essential foundation for effective library strategy formulation and positioning in a highly dynamic and competitive environment. In his book, John Cox examines a complex mix of global volatility, campus uncertainty, societal change, and technological shifts, all of which are generating new pressures and opportunities. Guiding readers towards understanding the situation of academic libraries and advancing their positioning in parent institutions, his practical guide covers:

• the historical evolution of academic library positioning;
• the global political, economic, social, and technological context;
• the changing higher education environment;
• an in-depth SWOT analysis of academic libraries;
• positioning strategies for successful academic libraries; and
• an academic library positioning toolkit.

Cox is University Librarian at the University of Galway in Ireland, a post he has held since 2009. He has 30 years of experience at leadership level, dating back to 1993 when he became Head of the Information Service at the Wellcome Centre for Medical Science, based at the Wellcome Trust. Projects led include planning for a new library building at the University of Galway, digitization of the Abbey and Gate Theatre archives, and Irish consortium negotiations with publishers.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at editionsmarketing@ala.org.