Digital Shifts and Budget Challenges: Findings from the 2023 ACRL Library Report
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The Association of College and Research Libraries recently released their annual report regarding the State of U.S. Academic Libraries in 2023. The data used to develop this report comes from more than 1,400 institutions representing a broad array of two- and four-year institutions across the US. A NotebookLM generated summary of the results suggest higher education libraries continue to evolve toward digital content; however, this particular study does not explore the impact AI may be having on library utilization or service offerings. Perhaps this could help explain why circulation rates dropped dramatically in 2023, warranting a block of AI related questions in the 2024 study.
Main Themes:
Recovery and Adjustment: Academic libraries are showing signs of recovery from pandemic-related disruptions, but staffing and expenditures have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Libraries are adapting to the increasing demand for digital resources while managing the costs of ongoing subscriptions.
Digital Dominance: Digital materials are increasingly dominant in library collections and circulation. This shift necessitates adjustments in resource allocation, staffing expertise, and user support services.
Focus on Instruction: Libraries are prioritizing instructional services, with a notable increase in group presentations and attendance, though still below pre-pandemic figures. There is a growing emphasis on asynchronous instruction alongside traditional synchronous formats.
Equity and Advocacy: The report highlights disparities in resources and staffing across different types of institutions, particularly emphasizing the under-resourced nature of associate's colleges and two-year institutions. This data is crucial for advocacy efforts aimed at securing adequate funding and support for all academic libraries.
Key Findings:
Staffing:
The average full-time equivalent (FTE) library staff is 36.2, with a median of 15.7. This represents a slight increase from recent years but remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Doctoral universities have significantly higher staffing levels compared to other institution types.
Associate’s colleges and two-year institutions have the lowest average total staff FTE (11.4), but the highest ratio of students to staff FTE (375), almost double the rate for all institutions.
Expenditures:
Total library expenditures (excluding fringe benefits) are recovering, reaching an average of $3,950,693 and a median of $1,112,184 in 2023. However, inflation-adjusted figures show a decline over time.
In reported dollars, this represents the highest point since 2015. However, when adjusted for inflation, average and median expenditures have largely declined over time.
Staff salaries and wages comprise the largest expenditure share (45.1%), followed closely by materials and services (44.4%).
Ongoing commitments to subscriptions represent a substantial portion (34.9%) of total expenditures, highlighting the financial burden of maintaining access to digital resources.
Collections and Circulation:
Digital materials now constitute 47% of reported library holdings, reflecting the ongoing shift towards electronic resources.
Circulation is overwhelmingly digital, with only 1.6% of total circulation attributed to physical items.
While libraries still hold significant physical collections and those collections continue to have value to researchers, most circulation is digital.
Overall circulation rates have dropped significantly in 2023, reaching their lowest point since 2015. The reasons for this decline warrant further investigation.
Information Services:
Libraries reported an average of 3,675 reference transactions, 397 consultations, and 1,342 virtual reference services in 2023.
Group instruction is showing signs of recovery, with increased presentation numbers and attendance. However, these figures remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Asynchronous instruction is becoming more prevalent, particularly in associate's and master's colleges.
Taking Action:
The report emphasizes the importance of utilizing this data for:
Advocacy: Making a compelling case for increased library funding and support by demonstrating the value of library services and highlighting resource disparities.
Benchmarking: Comparing library performance against peer institutions to identify areas for improvement and strategic planning.
Budget Justifications: Providing evidence to support budget requests and resource allocation decisions.
Grant Applications: Strengthening grant proposals by showcasing the impact of library services and demonstrating alignment with funding priorities.
Internal Assessments: Identifying trends, strengths, and areas for improvement in library services and operations.
Library and Information Science Research: Contributing to a deeper understanding of the evolving role of academic libraries in the higher education landscape.
Conclusion:
The 2023 ACRL survey offers a valuable snapshot of the state of U.S. academic libraries, revealing a sector in transition. While grappling with financial constraints and adapting to the digital environment, libraries continue to prioritize instruction and user support. The report underscores the crucial role of data-driven decision-making and advocacy in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of academic libraries in their essential contribution to teaching, learning, and research.
Source: Association of College & Research Libraries. The State of U.S. Academic Libraries: Findings from the ACRL 2023 Annual Survey. Chicago: Association of College & Research Libraries, 2024.
