David J. Staley|Kara Malenfant
Futures thinking for academic librarians: Higher education in 2025*
Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology
academic librarians seeking demonstrate value libraries parent institutions important understand current climate must also know valued future begin take appropriate action document presents 26 po ssible scenarios based implications assessment current trends may impact types academic research libraries next 15 years scenarios represent themes relating academic culture demographics distance education funding globalization infrastructurefacilities libraries political climate publishing industry societal values studentslearning technology organized scenario space visualization tool reflecting expert judgment acrl members expectations perceptions probability impact speed change threatopportunity potential scenario finally study draws implications academic libraries scenarios identified high impact high probability occurring incumbent upon library directors set strategic agendas academic libraries plan act upon scenarios report reinforces notion academic libraries part larger ecosystem librarians consistently scanning environment look signs changes may come includes appendix suggested activity engage library colleagues stretching imaginations considering possible futures build capacity engage strategic thinking planning supporting librarians making better decisions address variety possible futures