The Small and Rural Academic Library: Leveraging Resources and Overcoming Limitations

Small and rural academic libraries struggle with a unique set of technological and institutional barriers-tight budgets, stagnant salaries, small staff, and limited access to current technologies can prevent these active academic librarians from fully participating in professional development. Feelings of isolation, concerns about institutional support, and worries about the perception of the LIS profession within the community can also be issues.Through the use of case studies, research, and practical interviews, The Small or Rural Academic Library: Leveraging Resources and Overcoming Limitations explores how academic librarians in such environments can keep pace with, create, and improve modern library practices and services, network with colleagues, and access continuing education and professional development opportunities. Additionally, this book acts as a resource on matters of human resources and management concerns that are unique to LIS professionals and paraprofessionals who serve at small campuses and in rural communities.