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College & Research Libraries (C&RL)

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College & Research Libraries (C&RL) is the official scholarly research journal of ACRL. Follow for article highlights, book reviews, and other unique content.

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College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last mo.

Fall into reading and writing! Start the academic year and end the year writing a book review for College & Research Libraries. Book reviews are a great way to jump-start your academic writing journey. Contact Melissa Howell (melissa.howell@ung.edu).

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College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

This study shows the library is the most‑used campus service, supporting studying, focus, social learning, and wellbeing. Students define success as grades and balance. Higher IL confidence consistently aligns with higher GPA. Libraries matter more than ever. Read it online: bit.ly/crl-873-7

New article. Academic success and campus engagement: Insights from library usage at two universities.

Authors: Jung Mi Scoulas, Sandra L. De Groote, Kimberly Shotick, Ian Christensen & Yishan Yu. This paper presents the findings from a survey distributed at two academic institutions, exploring undergraduates’ campus engagement, self-regulated learning, and definitions of academic success. The library was the most frequently visited campus service, and students used it for both academic and nonacademic activities. Students identified obtaining good grades as their top definition of academic success. Participation in library and campus activities, use of online library resources, social learning, and improved concentration were positively associated. These findings highlight the crucial role of academic libraries and their potential for collaboration with other campus units to support student success.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

A new C&RL book review highlights Instructional Design for Teaching Information Literacy Online: a clear, practical guide using ADDIE to help librarians design effective, student‑centered online instruction—complete with templates and real classroom applications. Read: bit.ly/crl-873-10

New book review. Instructional design for teaching information literacy online: A student-centered approach. "The book addresses the challenges and specific context of academic library instruction in an online setting which is something other texts and professional development opportunities sometimes generalize."

Review excerpt: The clear organizational structure and accessible language used throughout the book makes for quick reading. LIS students and early career professionals will appreciate the immediate applications and practicalities of the book, while more seasoned librarians will value a deeper reading to draw connections to the multiple layers of theories and frameworks. Instructional Design for Teaching Information Literacy Online: A Student-Centered Approach would fit well in any college or university library with an LIS collection or any teaching librarian’s professional development collection. True to the quality instructional design it looks to model, this book centers the learner, regardless of their previous knowledge or experience with online library instruction. Reviewed by Patrick Leeport.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

This study compares EDS, EKUAL DS, and Piri DS on coverage, ranking, and topic diversity. Key finding: many highly relevant articles are buried deep in results while tools differ in what they surface and how they rank it. Discovery design shapes research outcomes. Read: bit.ly/crl-873-6

New article. Three discovery tools: A comparative analysis of retrieval scope, ranking effectiveness, and topic diversity.

Authors: Can Ekşi & Yurdagül Ünal. Discovery tools facilitate access to large-scale academic collections, yet their retrieval performance varies. This study presents a comparative analysis of three discovery tools—EBSCO Discovery Services (EDS), EKUAL Discovery Services (EKUAL DS), and Piri Discovery Services (Piri DS)—evaluating retrieval scope, ranking quality, and topical diversity index. EDS and EKUAL DS retrieved identical results, while Piri DS retrieved fewer records, affecting its retrieval completeness. Piri DS ranked relevant articles higher, but with broader distribution. While all tools exhibited comparable ranking performance, EDS and EKUAL DS demonstrated greater topical diversity.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Only 15% of sampled U.S. IRBs include a librarian, and most IRBs rank literature review quality as low priority. This article argues that this undervalues information literacy and may weaken human subject protections. Librarians could play a key role in ethical risk assessment. bit.ly/crl-873-5

New article: Librarian IRB Participation

Authors: Emmett Lombard. While Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are crucial for research integrity, the amount of librarian membership is limited. This study examines IRB rosters and membership criteria to describe librarian involvement. Surveys of IRB members assessed their views on the value of librarian membership and importance of literature review evaluation within IRB process. Results indicate low librarian representation and a deemphasis on literature review importance to human subject research. These findings highlight need for increased librarian IRB involvement—including promoting importance of high quality literature reviews—to further ensure human subject safety.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

A new C&RL book review examines Essentials of STEM Librarianship: a clear, experience‑based intro to science librarianship with strengths in research lifecycle and data management, tempered by R1‑centric assumptions and a narrow view of STEM. Read: bit.ly/crl-873-9

New book review: Essentials of STEM Librarianship. "What is the purpose of a STEM librarian when everything appears to be available online; and how can modern STEM librarians effectively engage with their departments?"

Review excerpt: The entire book does an excellent job acknowledging that higher education is changing and addressing how liaison librarian interactions with their departments likewise need to adapt. The authors provide suggestions and ideas based on their own experiences and what has worked for them. Many science librarians will appreciate the clear writing and helpful tables, as well as the summaries at the end of each chapter. Reviewed by Clarissa M. Ihssen.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Academic librarians are doing more than ever. This new study finds that most U.S. librarians balance traditional duties with emerging roles in research support, UX, digital scholarship, and scholarly communication, often without enough training or adjusted workloads. Read: bit.ly/crl-873-4

New article. The evolving role of U.S. academic librarians: A snapshot of job responsibilities in 2023.

Authors: Russell Michalak, Laura Rose Taylor, Michelle Reed, Amanda Koziura & Devon Ellixson. This study examines the evolving roles of academic librarians across Canada and the United States. Adapting a survey tool published in a prior Canadian study, the authors surveyed over 350 librarians in the United States, analyzing shifts in research support, teaching and learning, digital scholarship, user experience, and scholarly communication. Results indicate significant engagement in information discovery and digital scholarship, with a growing need for training in digital tools and data management. The resulting report highlights the crucial role of academic librarians in adapting to technological and educational changes, underscoring the necessity for ongoing professional development.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

📚 Inclusive Information Literacy in Action This case study shows that applying UDL to an embedded IL course for non‑native English speakers more than doubled learning gains over a year. Flexible, multimodal design = better outcomes for all students. Read it: bit.ly/crl-873-3

New article: Applying universal design for learning to support non-native English speakers in an embedded information literacy classroom: A case study.

Authors: Molly K. Maloney & Keith T. Nichols. To better serve first-year international students at the University at Buffalo in an embedded, one-credit information literacy (IL) research lab (iLab), undergraduate education librarians built upon a flipped and social constructivist model by employing universal design for learning (UDL). UDL framed the creation of multimodal content targeting trouble areas. The formal assessment instrument was also revised using a pre- and post-test model. Assessment results were used to guide UDL iteration from fall 2018 through fall 2019. The assessment measured the intended IL skills reliably across multiple classes of students. Between fall 2018 and fall 2019, students’ pre- to post-test growth increased by 103.92%.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Love to read but didn’t have time in the spring? Summer is the perfect time to turn your reading into a book review for C&RL. Complimentary books, read by the pool, and share what you think. Contact Melissa Lockaby (melissa.lockaby@ung.edu) and make your summer reading count!

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College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Open access isn’t “just” about APCs. Arts & humanities scholars weigh reputational risk, equity, time, image rights, and ethics when considering OA—often sidelining it despite shared values. Prestige + tenure still win. OA reform must go deeper. Access: bit.ly/crl-873-2

New article. Not just monetary: Arts and humanities scholars' perspectives on the costs of open access publishing.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

What can you really do with a library degree? C&RL reviews Careers in Library and Information Services. 101 candid, first‑hand accounts spanning libraries and adjacent information careers, with refreshing honesty about career paths and LIS education. Read: bit.ly/crl-873-8

New book review. Careers in Library and Information Services: First-Hand Accounts from Working Professionals edited by Priscilla K. Shontz. "The greatest strength of Careers in Library and Information Services is its reflection of the diverse opportunities that exist across the sector.

Review excerpt: Nearly 20 years after publishing A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science, editor Priscilla K. Shontz offers Careers in Library and Information Services: First-Hand Accounts from Working Professionals as a much-needed update for candidates navigating the 2020s job market. In this edited volume, scores of practitioners across the landscape offer aspiring professionals 101 profiles describing the numerous opportunities our field offers. In the informal style of a fireside chat, contributors provide overviews of their positions; discuss the most enjoyable and demanding parts of their jobs, their professional trajectories, and surprising aspects about their roles or the profession; offer advice to anyone interested in their respective lines of work; and share any final thoughts not already covered. Reviewed by A. Blake Denton.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

“Publish or perish” still looms large for R1 academic librarians, but the rules are often fuzzy. Peer review dominates P&T criteria, conference presentations > journal articles, open access rarely addressed. Many documents lack clear evaluative guidance. Read it online for free: bit.ly/crl-873-1

New article: Publish or Perish? A content analysis of scholarship criteria in R1 academic libraries' promotion and tenure documentation.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

The newest issue of College & Research Libraries is available online for free: bit.ly/crl-873 or visit the link in our bio Check out our newest articles and book reviews!

College & Research Libraries. May 2026. Volume 87. Number 3. Table of Contents.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 8mo ago

"Search Data Privacy in Academic Libraries" highlights how marginalized students view search data privacy. Many trust libraries, but others, especially those vulnerable to bias and surveillance, prefer strict privacy or data purging. Read the article: bit.ly/crl-871-56

New article: Search data privacy in academic libraries: Qualitative perspectives of members of marginalized groups.

Authors: Laura W. Gariepy. This article examines undergraduate students’ attitudes towards search data privacy in academic libraries, with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of members of underrepresented groups. . .Most students were comfortable with search data collection if it benefited them; however, a notable number of those who opposed it expressed strong concerns about potential harm to vulnerable or underrepresented groups. These privacy concerns were primarily voiced by members of marginalized groups, emphasizing the importance of considering student perspectives, especially those who may be most vulnerable to adverse effects of data use. . .The purpose of this article is to amplify those voices.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 8mo ago

CMC budgets do rise with education student enrollment but only slightly. Variation is huge, and many centers now have less buying power than they had in 1985! Underfunded CMCs = limited access to the curriculum materials future teachers need. 🔗 bit.ly/crl-871-39

New article: The state of funding for curriculum materials centers and collections

Authors: Caitlin Stewart and Jenelle Jensen. Using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, researchers analyzed whether there was a correlation between education student enrollment and curriculum materials center/collection (CMC) budget across eighty universities in the United States. Findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between those variables, although the relationship is weak. Universities with large education programs tend to have better-funded CMCs; however, variability across institutions is still significant. Findings suggest that many university CMCs may be comparatively underfunded based on student enrollment in education and historical trends.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 8mo ago

🚨 New in C&RL: “Interventions for Reducing, Preventing, or Overcoming Librarian Burnout: A Scoping Review” The study shows a major shift from individual “self-care” fixes toward organizational responsibility and healthier work cultures. Read it online for free: bit.ly/crl-871-20

New article: Interventions for reducing, preventing, or overcoming librarian burnout: A scoping review.

Authors: Natalie Logue, Jessica C. Garner, and Stephanie Hendren.

This scoping review categorizes the interventions discussed or explored among academic librarians to address the issue of burnout. Through a scoping review of the literature going back as far as 1982, the pattern of interventions suggests a strong emphasis on the individual managing their burnout through personal actions. However, in more recent years there has been a significant increase in the suggestion of organizations taking responsibility to reduce rates of burnout. More quantitative research is needed before specific interventions can be identified as effective.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 8mo ago

📢 New in C&RL: “Finding Their Own Way: A Phenomenological Study of Academic Librarians’ Experiences with Tenure” by Jolene Cole This insightful study explores how tenure shapes the professional identities, opportunities, and challenges of academic librarians Read the full article: bit.ly/crl-8712

New Article: Finding Their Own Way: A Phenomenological Study of Academic Librarians’ Experiences with Tenure

Authors Jolene Cole

This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the tenure system in academic libraries and the perceptions of tenured and tenure-track librarians regarding their professional identities in relation to tenure. Utilizing the participants’ descriptions of their professional experiences, the study aims to (a) critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the tenure system and (b) understand how the status of tenure impacts librarians’ professional identities within their respective institutions.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 8mo ago

The January issue of College & Research Libraries is available to read online for free: bit.ly/crl-871 Our newest issue features six articles and three book reviews.

Table of Contents for College & Research Libraries, January 2026, Volume 87, Number 1.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · 12mo ago

🗓️ Between the Lines: A Deep Dive into Book Reviewing Join Melissa Lockaby (C&RL’s Book Review Editor) for a session on how to craft book reviews that go beyond summaries. Learn how to balance concise writing with thoughtful analysis and make your reviews truly impactful. 🔗 bit.ly/crl-reviews

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

New from C&RL: The Data Science and Digital Scholarship Fellowship Program (DS2F): A Library-Based Model for Addressing Curricular Gaps in Data-Intensive Training and Digital Pedagogy Read it online for free: bit.ly/crl-864-3

New Article. The Data Science and Digital Scholarship Fellowship Program (DS2F): A library-based model for addressing curricular gaps in data-intensive training and digital pedagogy.

Authors. Megan Senseney & Jeffrey C. Oliver. The University of Arizona Libraries has conducted a pilot implementation of a year-long Digital Scholarship and Data Science Fellowship (DS2F) to address increasing interest in digital and data-intensive scholarship among graduate students. This article provides details regarding the model for the fellowship program; a description of the pilot implementation; an assessment of the program; and recommendations for libraries interested in adopting a similar approach at other academic institutions. While the program may not be fully adaptable within all academic contexts, DS2F represents a cost-effective and transferable model for graduate student engagement in digital scholarship and data science.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

New Article from C&RL: "'I don't think librarians can save us:' The material conditions of information literacy instruction in the misinformation age" by Amber Willenborg and Robert Detmering. Read it online for free from C&RL: bit.ly/crl-864-2

New Article: "I don't think librarians can save us": The material conditions of information literacy instruction in the misinformation age.

Authors: Amber Willenborg & Robert Detmering. This national qualitative study investigates academic librarians’ instructional experiences, views, and challenges regarding the widespread problem of misinformation. Findings from phenomenological interviews reveal a tension between librarians’ professional, moral, and civic obligations to address misinformation and the actual material conditions of information literacy instruction, which influence and often constrain librarians’ pedagogical and institutional roles. The authors call for greater professional reflection on current information literacy models that focus on achieving ambitious educational goals, but which may be unsuitable for addressing the larger social and political crisis of misinformation.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

Read Kristen Totleben's final editorial as Editor of College & Research Libraries for free online: bit.ly/crl-864-1

New Editorial: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish. Throughout my term, I often imagined (and still imagine) the journal as a living entity that needs care, feeding, and continuous attention for its well-being and improvement. It takes a team of people to keep it in motion. Kristen Totleben.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

New Article: Inclusive Leadership: Perspectives From Academic Library Leaders Read it online for free from C&RL: bit.ly/crl-863-11 John J. Meier presents results from a study of 37 senior administrators in libraries at AAU institutions, including a demographic survey and interviews.

Author. John J. Meier. This paper presents the results of thirty-seven interviews, conducted with deans and university librarians at large, research institutions in the US, regarding how they practice inclusive leadership and develop future leaders from diverse backgrounds. A demographic survey shows this cohort has become increasingly representative of the profession in gender and racial identities. Content analysis of interviews indicates that academic library leaders are moving beyond DEI training programs to actions that advance equity in their organizations and within the profession. Best practices for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention are presented along with strategies to increase inclusion and belonging within academic libraries.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

"News from the Field": PSU Libraries' new digital exhibit on the 1899 Harriman Expedition to Alaska; Springshare LibMaps; Yale's Law Library signing an MOA w/ US GPO to be a preservation steward; and Creative CoLab launching Black Canvasses Zine and accepting submissions. Read online: bit.ly/43zVTAs

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

The Internet Reviews column in the May 2025 issue of College and Research Libraries News highlights three timely, research-rich sites: ▪️GLSEN ▪️NORD ▪️A Vision of Britain Through Time Read it online for free from C&RL News: bit.ly/43Q2BDO

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

In "The Way I See It" column of C&RL News, Brian Mathews, associate dean for research and innovation at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, muses on what libraries could look like in the year 2050. Read more in "Interdisciplinary by Design: Envisioning Libraries in 2050": bit.ly/4dARQbL

Photograph of futuristic library with wall of windows and vertical bookshelves in a curved shape.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

New Article: Library Correlational Assessment and Campus Partnership for Student Success Read it online for free from C&RL: bit.ly/crl-863-10 Holly Yu and Adele Dobry call for "utilizing. . .assessment results to further establish partnerships with the campus student success team. . ."

This correlational study aimed to assess whether using online resources and borrowing print materials from the university library contributed to higher grade point averages (GPA) and better retention rates among undergraduate students at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), a campus where students of color comprise 85% of the overall student population with 75% coming from underserved communities. The analysis explored library resource usage patterns based on gender, ethnic background, first-generation status, and Pell Grant eligibility. The findings have strengthened the library’s efforts to partner with the campus student success team. . .

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

New Article: Building Distinctive Collections: A Survey of Association of Research Libraries’ Member Institutions Acquisitions Infrastructure Read it online for free from C&RL: bit.ly/crl-863-9 Kim and colleagues suggest strategies for supporting and enhancing diversity in distinctive collections.

This study explores how acquisitions practices and infrastructure influence building diverse distinctive collections within Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions. Through a survey of the existing acquisitions practices within ARL institutions, this study interrogates the collections-based methodologies that are utilized to purchase distinctive collections resources. The researchers analyze the aggregate data; the results highlight current efforts and practices to decenter dominant narratives and Western ways of collecting in acquisitions programs to build distinctive collections.

College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

In "Building Psychological Safety in Academic Libraries: Fostering Innovation, Well-Being, and Engaged Teams," Bobbi L. Newman explores the idea that psychological safety epowers equity and innovation in the library. Read it online for free from C&RL News: doi.org/10.5860/crln...

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College & Research Libraries (C&RL)@crl-acrl.bsky.social · last yr.

Make your summer reading count! Be an influencer! Read and write book reviews for C&RL! 📚📖 ▪️Books are provided (when possible) ▪️Early access to books before release date ▪️Share your appraisal of the book Contact C&RL Reviews Editor, Melissa Lockaby, melissa.lockaby@ung.edu

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