Optimizing Academic Library Services in the Digital Milieu

The digital is the new milieu in which academic libraries must serve their patrons; but how best to utilize the slew of digital devices and their surrounding trends? Optimizing Academic Library Services in the Digital Milieu identifies best practices and strategies for using digital devices (such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones) and copyrighted materials in academic libraries. Special consideration is given to e-books, iBooks, e-journals, and digital textbooks. This title describes how academic libraries can remain current, nimbly addressing user needs. An introduction gives an overview of technology in academic libraries, including the foundations of copyright law and user behavior in relation to digital content. Three parts then cover: digital rights management (DRM); practical approaches to e-content for librarians; and emerging pedagogy and technology. Finally, the book concludes by telling libraries how to remain agile and adaptable as they navigate the digital milieu.

• Presents a contemporary view on DRM and fair use for librarians in the context of contemporary technology
• Addresses file standards in relation to devices in libraries
• Demonstrates ways that librarians can support and engage students using emerging digital technologies

Brendan Ryan is a Digital Initiatives Librarian at Rhode Island College (RIC). Previously he worked in the Reference department at RIC and in an access services capacity at Providence College. At Providence, Brendan developed a mobile site for the library and presented and published on the topic. The reference position at RIC allowed him to assist students in performing research using digital content in the academy. Presently, his work centers around digitizing and creating ebooks from archival content These practical experiences inform his work, and this book. Brendan holds an MLIS from the University of Rhode Island, USA.