Those of you attending recent CNI meetings and Designing Libraries conferences may be aware of the impressive work undertaken at the library of the University of Calgary, under the auspices of a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, to work with researchers on interdisciplinary studies (for example, see the video linked from https://www.cni.org/topics/assessment/what-is-the-future-of-libraries-in-academic-research ) The December, 2019 symposium will build on that work, with contributions from additional institutions, to encourage other universities to adopt similar models. You can find more information from the links below. While registration is not yet open, those interested may wish to save this date and look for an announcement here when registration is available (or sign up for notification).

—Joan Lippincott, CNI

Save the Date: December 11, 2019 Critical Roles for Libraries in Today’s Research Enterprise A Symposium being held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. Research has changed: have libraries? Today many academic libraries are seeking ways to better align with current research practice and to engage as vital partners in campus research. The issues are critical, necessary changes are fundamental, and libraries are developing new means and partnerships to sustain relevance.

Held following the CNI Fall Membership Meeting, Critical Roles for Libraries in Today’s Research Enterprise is a one-day symposium created for librarians, research administrators, and technology professionals to identify responses to this challenge.

Library leaders will examine new organizational structures, programs and services, innovative spaces, and collaborative models. Research administrators will evaluate the impact of these new developments and describe future opportunities. Faculty researchers will characterize the potential for new synergies and functional partnerships. Most importantly, these discussions will give attendees the opportunity to collaborate in developing strategies to apply at their own institutions.

Registration is no-cost but limited and expected to fill quickly. Attendees will be asked to provide a brief statement of their interests and involvement in the areas of focus. Registration and Program details will be available in early September. For notification, sign-up at http://ucalgary.libsurveys.com/criticalrolesnotification . Jointly organized by Thomas Hickerson (University of Calgary), Charles Eckman (University of Miami), Xuemao Wang (University of Cincinnati), and Joan Lippincott (CNI), this event is funded as part of research conducted at the University of Calgary, “Academic Research and University Libraries: Creating a New Model for Collaboration ,” sponsored by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Join us for this signature opportunity to identify the changes needed to reposition libraries for research in the digital age.

For more information please see the Symposium website: https://library.ucalgary.ca/libraryresearchplatform/symposium For questions, contact John Brosz (jdlbrosz@ucalgary.ca), Project Coordinator