Best Library Ideas for Universities

In many countries, over 90% of students have access to smartphones. Most of them use smartphones for collecting information and conducting research. The consistent increase in smartphone penetration makes it essential for universities to complement conventional libraries with digital libraries. A digital library will enable students to access relevant learning content anytime and anywhere.

Also, a student can access the software to consume digital learning content in various formats. Hence, a university student can understand a topic by reading eBooks, listening to podcasts, or watching videos. At the same time, the digital library will help universities deliver multi-format content to students across regions at reduced costs.

While setting up an online library, a university has the option to choose from digital library software provided by many edtech companies and startups. In addition, it can avail of the digital library software as part of unified learning platforms. However, decision-makers must consider several ideas and best practices to set up a robust digital library. We are discussing some of the best library ideas for universities.

9 Best Library Ideas for Universities

1. Evaluate User Interface

As the frontend application view, a user interface (UI) makes students communicate and interact with the digital library software. The communication or interaction is impacted when the UI does not work as students expect. As highlighted by several studies users these days abandon software whose UI makes them refer to user manuals regularly. Hence, decision-makers must implement digital library software with intuitive UIs.

2. Ensure Cross-Platform User Experience

Decision-makers should remember that students will access the digital library using various devices and platforms. For instance, most students will access the digital library using smartphones or tablets, while some will access the software using desktops or laptops. They need to ensure that each student can access the digital library regardless of his choice of device. Hence, they should prioritize digital library software that delivers seamless cross-platform user experiences.

3. Combine Multi-Format Content

Several studies suggest that university students prefer multimedia content to conventional content while acquiring knowledge and conducting research. However, the choices of multimedia content vary across students. For instance, some students understand a topic by watching videos or listening to audio, while others prefer reading eBooks and journals. That is why; decision-makers must choose online library solutions that deliver content in several formats – videos, audio, journals, eBooks, quizzes, and simulations.

4. Share Curated Content

A digital library is usually designed as a repository of multi-format and multilingual content. The repository enables students to access off-the-shelf content from various publishers. However, new-age digital library software shares thought leadership content with students. They curate relevant and insightful content on a topic from various sources using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The curated content helps university students understand a topic deeply by accessing different viewpoints and perceptions. Hence, decision-makers must foster deep understanding by selecting digital library software with content curation capability.

5. Make Content Recommendations   

Leading digital library platforms feature intuitive search interfaces. The search interface helps students find relevant content related to a topic in various formats and languages. However, new-generation digital library software recommends relevant content to students. They use suggestion algorithms to find additional content related to a topic or concept. In addition, they personalize content recommendations based on the interests and preferences of individual students. Decision-makers can share additional information with students by opting for software with recommendation features.

6. Foster Learner Engagement

Several studies suggest that over 85% of students do not complete online courses. Universities must increase online course completion rates by fostering learner engagement. Gamification of learning helps them keep students engaged and motivate them to complete online courses. Hence, decision-makers should consider online library software that gamifies learning experiences by providing features like badges, scorecards, and virtual coins.

7. Opt for Cloud-Based Software

Universities can set up digital libraries by implementing on-premise or cloud-based software. Decision-makers must remember that cloud-based software, unlike on-premise software, does not require them to incur infrastructural and staffing costs. They can configure, customize, and scale the cloud-based digital library on demand. At the same time, students can access the digital content seamlessly without installing the software on their computers or mobile devices.

8. Build a Unified Learning Platform

Universities these days boost online learning by implementing various eLearning tools. For instance, they create, manage, monitor, and deliver online courses using learning management systems. Likewise, they blend instructor-led and self-paced learning by implementing online classroom software. Hence, decision-makers must choose digital library software that can be integrated with existing eLearning tools. The integration is essential for building a unified learning platform by ensuring smooth data exchange between eLearning solutions. 

9. Complimentary eLearning Solution

Leading edtech companies popularize their digital library platforms by offering complimentary eLearning solutions. For instance, they enable universities to avail of learning management systems and virtual classroom software while subscribing to the cloud-based digital library. In addition to curbing costs, these complimentary eLearning tools help universities build unified learning platforms. Hence, decision-makers should consider digital library platforms that come with complimentary eLearning tools.

10. Don’t Remove Print Books

Many studies suggest that university students prefer multimedia content to print-based content. However, decision-makers must remember that many students still prefer reading print books to eBooks. Likewise, many students find it convenient to acquire knowledge by reading journals and periodicals. Hence, they must not replace conventional libraries with digital libraries. Instead, they should combine traditional and digital libraries to enable students to consume content in their preferred way.

Conclusion

Next-generation learning standards recommend educational institutions adopt cutting-edge technologies. In addition, higher educational institutions must focus on the development of important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and team bonding. Digital library software helps universities comply with emerging learning standards by providing digital learning content in various languages and formats.

However, universities must focus on implementing digital library software that can be configured, customized, and scaled on demand. At the same time, universities must boost online education by integrating the digital library with online classroom software and learning management systems. Hence, universities must consider several ideas and best practices to build a robust digital library, while fostering learner engagement and improving learning experiences.