For immediate release | June 7, 2023

New from ACRL - “Managing Crises in the Academic Library: Past, Present, and Future”

91ý

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “,” edited by Doris Van Kampen-Breit, a collection of experiences, strategies, and tactics that can help you plan for and lead through crises.

When a crisis occurs, it is the employees who determine an organization’s resiliency and effectiveness. It is their response, ability to plan for contingencies, and capacity for creating solutions that means the difference between organizational success and failure.

In 29 chapters from authors in all institution types and sizes, "Managing Crises in the Academic Library" can help library workers learn from the crises of the past and prepare for the next unexpected event. Chapters cover lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetual budget uncertainty, dealing with downsizing, merging departments, mold mitigation, and mental health issues, but also offer strategies applicable during any crisis, including:

  • Responsive decision-making in academic library collections
  • Managing stakeholder expectations
  • Effective communication strategies
  • Continuity of operations planning
  • Utilizing library storage facilities
  • Documentation and cross-training
  • Mediating student technology needs
  • Setting boundaries

Chapters include workflow charts, bibliographies, and concrete strategies that can be easily adopted into your crisis planning.

Libraries and library workers are deeply sustaining lifelines for many students and faculty. "Managing Crises in the Academic Library" collects stories that demonstrate the tenacity, creativity, and ingenuity of academic library workers as they maintain this vital community lifeline and offers actionable ideas and approaches for planning for and sustaining the resources, services, and people in the library during difficult times.

“Managing Crises in the Academic Library: Past, Present, and Future” is available for purchase in and as an through the 91ý Online Store; in print through Amazon.com; and by telephone order at (866) 746-7252 in the U.S. or (770) 442-8633 for international customers.

##

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing nearly 8,500 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the 91ý) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the , , , , and .

Contact:

Erin Nevius

Content Strategist

ACRL

enevius@ala.org