2020 top trends in academic libraries: A review of the trends and issues affecting academic libraries in higher education

Abstract

This article summarizes trending topics in academic librarianship from the past two years. These highlights provide a starting point or an update, depending on one’s familiarity with the topic. Overarching themes across the profession continue to emphasize the significant amount of change our institutions are driving, managing, and navigating.

Collaborations Beyond the Library: Bibliometric Analyses to Support Engineering Research, Innovation, and Diversity

“…In its 2020 report, ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee summarized that major trends include: learning analytics, the influence of machine learning and artificial intelligence on technology, the impact of big deals cancellations on open access and transformative publisher agreements, research data maturation and the ethical need to incorporate the GO FAIR Initiative, social justice roles including critical librarianship and critical pedagogy, incorporating increased use and licensing of streaming media, and finally, library space as a place for supporting student well-being [1]. Earlier in a 2017 environmental scan by the same team, the concept of "research evaluation" was discussed as the topic continues to develop rapidly.…”