Samples of excellence in world university libraries and the future

Abstract

The university libraries, which have played a leading role in the development and information production of the countries, are important stake-holders and even the chief actors in this respect. Certainly, university libraries have also received the cutting-edge information technologies which have changed the way many societies have access to it. With the boom of information and communication technologies, academic libraries have begun undergoing a radical change. Academic libraries have assumed new roles to meet the ever-changing needs of users and to continue to exist in the 21st century. In this study, observations and suggestions have been made on some university librarians serving in various countries in the world which determine the pace of change and have ideal characteristics, having insights on current and possible changes in the future. The purpose of the study rests on-site surveys, face-to-face and e-mail interviews based on the synthesis of internet and literature in a bid to create a framework that describes the dynamic processes of the university library and to reveal the ideal university library model for Turkey. Libraries are an important tool that directly supports educational activities and research in academic institutions, and thus are an indispensable part of the university. The support and conditions needed in our country must be ensured so that they can provide sustainable services in accordance with world standards.