Retention Matters: Academic Libraries Leading the Way

ABSTRACT

Academic libraries have always strived to be purposively involved in the university's mission attainment efforts. Today, the increase of retention levels is paramount, and, in many cases, it is at the center of higher education institution's strategic plans. For Andrews University, for example, the goal is to reach 80% in the next five years. In the United States, student retention efforts become even more critical due, in part, to declining enrollment numbers set off by soaring higher education costs. Academic librarians are aware of the library's role in the university's overall efforts to increase persistence rates and curtail attrition. Through a literature review, this article highlights how academic libraries are participating in this process. This study focuses on how academic libraries can be leaders in their Institutions by adopting a user-centered philosophy and services that will promote life-long learning, enhance students’ academic experience, and promote engagement, leading to retention.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic libraries
• library services
• retention
• university libraries

Notes

¹ This paper is a modified version of the article entitled “University libraries leading the way through choppy waters: the library's role in student retention” presented at the 37th IATUL Annual Conference held in Halifax, June 5–9, 2016 and published online by Purdue University - Purdue E-Pubs.