The essays presented in this book reflect revised papers delivered at the Research Library in the 21st Century Symposium, held at The University of Texas at Austin, September 2006. Internationally known library, museum, information agency, and higher education administrators have contributed their views, concerns, and optimism in developing this book. In an effort to begin shaping a strategy for the future of academic research libraries, some of the best minds in the field and representatives from leading institutions have been chosen to explore these issues. These essays investigate the evolving nature of scholarly communications, the many challenges facing higher education generally, and the obligations of research libraries to promote teaching, learning, and research in a time of rapid change. Readers will find the perspectives offered here are as incisive and as fresh now as when they were presented.

This book was based on a special issue of Journal of Library Administration.