Leading from Unexpected Places through Collaboration: Undergraduate Libraries in the Research University

Abstract

Perhaps not immediately considered the crown jewels of our collections-rich and research-focused university library systems, undergraduate libraries are well-positioned to grow in importance moving forward, as large universities are challenged to deepen their commitment to holistic undergraduate student support, through academics, extracurriculars, and service, and all at scale. The undergraduate library’s historic focus on teaching, learning spaces, and community enables an ideal setting to experiment with collaborative partnerships that cut across departmental divisions. By establishing and fostering a new normal of interdisciplinary, collaborative work that both inspires change among campus departments and models partnership for our users, undergraduate libraries and librarians can provide leadership for their institutions.