Academic Libraries Redefined: Old Mission with a New Face

Abstract

Digital technology has created new models of education and learning; revolutionized the publishing industry and provided new ways to access, select and produce information. Universities have seen a growth in e-learning and distance learning students. Academic libraries have seen a stronger demand for electronic resources. This has impacted on the role of library services. This paper reviews scholarly and professional literature on the role of academic libraries in supporting the new models of education by procuring electronic resources and providing access to them using proper technical infrastructure and expertise. The paper also describes the continuing need for a physical space for intellectual and interactive work in an electronic environment.