| This document analysis examined the academic library and the changing role of the academic librarian in higher education. A comparison of the trends and issues reported by prominent librarians in the 20th century was made to those reported in the 21st century. Emphasis was placed on the following decades: 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in the 20th century and 2000s (through 2013) in the 21st century. Initial topics from the 20th century were selected from the cornerstone article, "College Libraries and the Teaching/Learning Process: A 25-Year Reflection" by Farber (1999). Farber, who was well known for research regarding bibliographic instruction at Earlham College, observed, reported, and predicted for the future many changes in the field of librarianship. His cornerstone article presented an historical view of bibliographic instruction, the development and oversight of the Ohio College Library Century, the rise of the use of microfilm and microfiche, the drastic change in processes for establishing and maintaining the card catalog, and an overview of technological changes as they relate to the academic library located in institutions of higher learning. The issues Farber discussed were compared to discussion by prominent librarians from the 21st century. An overview of the similarities, differences, and topics which have almost disappeared, as discussed by Farber, were reviewed. Also examined were current academic library topics Farber discussed which have changed immensely in the early years of the 21st century. The changing role of the academic librarian, motivated by changing media and technology availability was reviewed by decade. |
