The promise of academic libraries - [occupying a different space within the campus community]

Interesting article looking at ideas on how to 'turn outward' -  "new possibilities as academic libraries span boundaries and occupy a more visible, catalytic role on campus".

April 2014 College & Research Libraries News vol. 75 no. 4 182-186

 "By turning outward, we have found common purpose with colleagues and students across the university"

Reimagining the liaison role of librarians - "embedding services in the teaching, learning, and research processes" ; “getting in the flow of users”

Community conversations about the undergraduate experience - engaging with university leaders and students -  "opened new possibilities for librarians to engage more actively with colleagues across the campus." 

Moving from talk to action - "clarify our value within the academy as we develop a sense of common purpose and set realistic goals"

Pockets of change - "identify and take intentional steps toward a more engaged approach to library programs and services" (examples: engaged celebrations; promote civic engagement activities; strengthening partnerships with other units; launching more outward-looking team structures; redesigning positions to respond more effectively to campus initiatives.)

Measuring impact (new ways to gauge progress) -  "beyond reporting on what we have done" ; "why and what difference [library activities] make in the broader university context" ; What kind of indicators will measure the success of community engagement?