LAUSR

Bridging Worlds: Emerging Models and Practices of U.S. Academic Libraries around the Globe. Edited by Raymond Pun, Scott Collard, and Justin Parrott. Chicago: ACRL, 2016. 210 p. Paper $50 (ISBN: 978-0-8389-8842-8). In recent years, American colleges and universities have increased their emphasis on international engagement, emphasizing global awareness, interconnectedness, and student and community diversity. As a result, universities are establishing campuses, branches, and enhanced programs outside of the United States, particularly in the Middle East and East Asia, where they introduce Western higher education practices and philosophies. These collaborative partnerships focus on blending cultural, social, political, and economic communities, while exploring new territories in research, teaching, and learning. Bridging Worlds presents examples of academic libraries taking part in shaping these collaborations by acting as partners in the development of campus community, student life, and research from a global perspective. The book is divided into five thematic sections, each of which is comprised of chapters, case studies, and practical tips focusing on how libraries are working in global communities to build campus collections. The contributors present a variety of approaches, and the result is a comprehensive resource covering the design, development, and management of library collections abroad. In the first section, the contributing authors share their perspectives on the challenges, rewards, and successes encountered in designing the two international campus libraries for New York University. This provides helpful insight regarding the big picture for activities and developments found in subsequent chapters. In section two, the contributors explore various phases of developing library access, technological services, programs, and policies at the international campus, with particular focus on implementing interlibrary loan and integrating academic technology support in an international context. Also covered are the rewards and challenges of working with colleagues dispersed around the globe, collecting usage statistics, and managing staffing needs. At international campuses, practical concerns over shipping must be considered when dealing with censored books, delays in customs facilities, and unanticipated technical difficulties. Differences in time zones, standard workweeks, and academic calendars are additional factors that can pose challenges to establishing global delivery systems, services, and processes. The lessons presented here are likely to be useful for others who wish to pursue similar endeavors. …