“ARCS 2025” is a strategic plan developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) to guide the future of research libraries. It is based on the belief that research libraries are essential for the advancement of knowledge and innovation and that they must adapt to the changing needs of their users.
The ARCS 2025 plan has five key goals:
- Provide equitable access to information resources for all users
- Support the research process by providing access to data, tools, and expertise
- Foster collaboration and innovation among researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders
- Develop a sustainable financial model for research libraries
- Advocate for policies that support research libraries
These goals are ambitious, but they are essential for the future of research libraries. By working together, research libraries can ensure that they continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
The ARCS 2025 plan is a roadmap for the future of research libraries. It is a call to action for libraries to adapt to the changing needs of their users and to continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
1. Visionary
The ARCS 2025 plan is visionary because it sets an ambitious goal for research libraries: to be essential for the advancement of knowledge and innovation. This vision is based on the belief that research libraries are uniquely positioned to provide the resources and services that researchers need to succeed. ARCS 2025 outlines a number of strategies that research libraries can use to achieve this vision, including:
- Providing equitable access to information resources for all users
- Supporting the research process by providing access to data, tools, and expertise
- Fostering collaboration and innovation among researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders
- Developing a sustainable financial model for research libraries
- Advocating for policies that support research libraries
These strategies are ambitious, but they are essential for the future of research libraries. By working together, research libraries can ensure that they continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
The vision of ARCS 2025 is already being realized in a number of ways. For example, research libraries are increasingly providing open access to their collections, making it easier for researchers around the world to access the information they need. Research libraries are also developing new tools and services to support the research process, such as data visualization tools and research data management services. And research libraries are working with other stakeholders, such as universities and government agencies, to foster collaboration and innovation.
The vision of ARCS 2025 is a bold one, but it is essential for the future of research libraries. By working together, research libraries can ensure that they continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
2. Strategic
The ARCS 2025 plan is strategic because it is based on a careful analysis of the trends shaping the future of research and higher education. This analysis identified a number of key challenges that research libraries will need to address in the coming years, including:
- The increasing cost of research
- The growing volume of research data
- The changing needs of researchers
- The need for greater collaboration among researchers
The ARCS 2025 plan provides a roadmap for research libraries to address these challenges and to continue to play a vital role in the future of research and higher education.
One of the key insights from the ARCS 2025 plan is that research libraries need to become more strategic in their planning. This means that they need to develop a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and they need to identify the opportunities and challenges that they are likely to face in the future. Research libraries also need to develop a plan for how they will address these challenges and opportunities.
The ARCS 2025 plan is a valuable resource for research libraries as they plan for the future. The plan provides a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities that research libraries are likely to face in the coming years, and it provides a roadmap for how they can address these challenges and opportunities.
3. Action-oriented
The ARCS 2025 plan is action-oriented because it provides a roadmap for research libraries to achieve the vision of being essential for the advancement of knowledge and innovation. The plan outlines a number of specific strategies that research libraries can use to achieve this vision, including:
- Providing equitable access to information resources for all users
- Supporting the research process by providing access to data, tools, and expertise
- Fostering collaboration and innovation among researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders
- Developing a sustainable financial model for research libraries
- Advocating for policies that support research libraries
These strategies are ambitious, but they are essential for the future of research libraries. By working together, research libraries can ensure that they continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
One of the key benefits of the ARCS 2025 plan is that it provides a clear roadmap for research libraries to follow. The plan identifies the challenges that research libraries are facing and it provides a set of strategies that can be used to address these challenges. This roadmap is essential for research libraries as they plan for the future.
The ARCS 2025 plan is a valuable resource for research libraries as they plan for the future. The plan provides a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities that research libraries are likely to face in the coming years, and it provides a roadmap for how they can address these challenges and opportunities.
4. Collaborative
The ARCS 2025 plan is collaborative because it was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including librarians, researchers, and administrators. This collaboration is essential for the success of the plan because it ensures that the plan is based on the needs of all stakeholders.
One of the key challenges facing research libraries is the need to adapt to the changing needs of their users. The ARCS 2025 plan addresses this challenge by including input from researchers, who are the primary users of research libraries. This ensures that the plan is responsive to the changing needs of researchers and that it will continue to meet their needs in the future.
The ARCS 2025 plan also recognizes the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the research ecosystem. The plan encourages research libraries to work with other stakeholders, such as universities and government agencies, to foster innovation and to address the challenges facing research libraries. This collaboration is essential for the future of research libraries because it will allow them to pool their resources and expertise to develop new and innovative solutions.
The collaborative nature of the ARCS 2025 plan is one of its key strengths. By involving a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the plan, ARCS 2025 ensures that the plan is based on the needs of all stakeholders and that it is responsive to the changing needs of research libraries.
5. Flexible
The ARCS 2025 plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of research libraries. This is important because the needs of research libraries are constantly changing. For example, the growth of digital scholarship has led to a need for research libraries to provide access to new types of resources and services. The ARCS 2025 plan recognizes this need and provides research libraries with the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of their users.
One of the key benefits of the ARCS 2025 plan is that it allows research libraries to be more responsive to the needs of their users. For example, if a research library finds that its users are increasingly demanding access to digital resources, the library can adjust its collection development policies to meet this need. This flexibility is essential for research libraries to remain relevant and valuable to their users.
The ARCS 2025 plan also recognizes that the needs of research libraries can vary depending on their size, location, and mission. For example, a large research library in a major metropolitan area may have different needs than a small research library in a rural area. The ARCS 2025 plan provides research libraries with the flexibility to develop plans that are tailored to their specific needs.
The flexibility of the ARCS 2025 plan is one of its key strengths. By allowing research libraries to adapt to the changing needs of their users, the ARCS 2025 plan ensures that research libraries will continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
6. Sustainable
The ARCS 2025 plan recognizes the importance of financial sustainability for research libraries. This is because research libraries are facing a number of financial challenges, including:
- Rising costs: The cost of books, journals, and other resources is rising faster than the rate of inflation.
- Decreasing government funding: Government funding for research libraries has been declining in recent years.
- Changing user needs: The changing needs of users, such as the need for access to digital resources, are putting a strain on research library budgets.
The ARCS 2025 plan provides a number of strategies that research libraries can use to address these challenges and to achieve financial sustainability. These strategies include:
- Increasing revenue: Research libraries can increase revenue by developing new services, such as data analytics services or consulting services.
- Reducing costs: Research libraries can reduce costs by sharing resources with other libraries, negotiating better deals with vendors, and implementing energy-saving measures.
- Advocating for increased funding: Research libraries can advocate for increased funding from government and private sources.
By implementing these strategies, research libraries can achieve financial sustainability and continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
7. Inclusive
The ARCS 2025 plan is committed to ensuring that all users have equitable access to information resources. This means that research libraries must provide access to resources and services for all users, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. This commitment to inclusivity is essential for the future of research libraries because it ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access the information they need to succeed.
There are a number of ways that research libraries can promote inclusivity. One important way is to provide access to a diverse collection of resources. This means that research libraries must collect materials from a variety of perspectives and cultures. Research libraries must also provide access to resources in a variety of formats, such as print, digital, and audio. This ensures that all users can access the information they need in a format that meets their needs.
Another important way to promote inclusivity is to create a welcoming environment for all users. This means that research libraries must be free from discrimination and harassment. Research libraries must also provide staff training on how to interact with users from diverse backgrounds. By creating a welcoming environment, research libraries can ensure that all users feel comfortable using their services.
The commitment to inclusivity is an essential part of the ARCS 2025 plan. By ensuring that all users have equitable access to information resources, research libraries can continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
8. Innovative
The ARCS 2025 plan recognizes that research libraries need to be innovative in order to continue to meet the needs of their users. The plan encourages research libraries to embrace new technologies and approaches to service delivery. This includes:
- Providing access to new types of resources: Research libraries are increasingly providing access to new types of resources, such as digital archives, data sets, and streaming media.
- Developing new services: Research libraries are developing new services to meet the changing needs of their users. These services include things like data visualization services, research data management services, and digital scholarship services.
- Providing access to resources and services in new ways: Research libraries are providing access to resources and services in new ways, such as through mobile apps and online portals.
By embracing innovation, research libraries can continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
Here are some examples of how research libraries are using innovation to improve their services:
- The University of California, Berkeley Library has developed a new data visualization service that allows researchers to explore complex data sets in new ways.
- The University of Michigan Library has developed a new research data management service that helps researchers to manage and share their data more effectively.
- The University of Oxford Bodleian Libraries has developed a new mobile app that allows users to access the library’s collections and services from anywhere.
These are just a few examples of how research libraries are using innovation to improve their services. By embracing innovation, research libraries can continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
9. Transformative
The ARCS 2025 plan is transformative because it has the potential to change the way that research libraries operate and the role that they play in the 21st century. The plan encourages research libraries to be more innovative, collaborative, and inclusive. It also recognizes the importance of financial sustainability and the need to adapt to the changing needs of users. By embracing these changes, research libraries can continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
- New roles and services: ARCS 2025 encourages research libraries to develop new roles and services to meet the changing needs of their users. For example, research libraries can provide data visualization services, research data management services, and digital scholarship services. These new services can help researchers to be more productive and efficient.
- Increased collaboration: ARCS 2025 encourages research libraries to collaborate with other stakeholders in the research ecosystem. This collaboration can lead to the development of new and innovative services and resources. For example, research libraries can collaborate with universities to develop new data science programs or with government agencies to provide access to government data.
- Greater inclusivity: ARCS 2025 is committed to ensuring that all users have equitable access to information resources. This means that research libraries must provide access to resources and services for all users, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. By being more inclusive, research libraries can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access the information they need to succeed.
- Financial sustainability: ARCS 2025 recognizes the importance of financial sustainability for research libraries. The plan provides a number of strategies that research libraries can use to achieve financial sustainability. These strategies include increasing revenue, reducing costs, and advocating for increased funding. By achieving financial sustainability, research libraries can ensure that they will continue to be able to provide essential services to their users.
The ARCS 2025 plan is a transformative plan that has the potential to change the way that research libraries operate and the role that they play in the 21st century. By embracing the changes outlined in the plan, research libraries can continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
FAQs on ARCS 2025
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding ARCS 2025 and provides concise, informative answers.
Question 1: What is ARCS 2025?
ARCS 2025 is a strategic plan developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) to guide the future of research libraries. It is designed to ensure that research libraries remain essential for the advancement of knowledge and innovation in the 21st century.
Question 2: What are the key goals of ARCS 2025?
The key goals of ARCS 2025 are to:
- Provide equitable access to information resources for all users.
- Support the research process by providing access to data, tools, and expertise.
- Foster collaboration and innovation among researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders.
- Develop a sustainable financial model for research libraries.
- Advocate for policies that support research libraries.
Question 3: Why is ARCS 2025 important?
ARCS 2025 is important because it provides a roadmap for research libraries to adapt to the changing needs of their users and to continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
Question 4: How can research libraries achieve the goals of ARCS 2025?
Research libraries can achieve the goals of ARCS 2025 by working together to develop and implement innovative solutions. They can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as universities and government agencies, to leverage resources and expertise.
Question 5: What are the benefits of ARCS 2025?
The benefits of ARCS 2025 include:
- Improved access to information resources for all users.
- Enhanced support for the research process.
- Increased collaboration and innovation.
- Greater financial sustainability.
- Stronger advocacy for research libraries.
Question 6: How can I get involved with ARCS 2025?
Individuals and organizations can get involved with ARCS 2025 by:
- Learning more about the plan and its goals.
- Attending ARCS 2025 events and webinars.
- Providing feedback to the ARL on the implementation of the plan.
- Supporting research libraries in their efforts to achieve the goals of ARCS 2025.
ARCS 2025 is a critical plan for the future of research libraries. By working together, research libraries can achieve the goals of ARCS 2025 and continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
For more information on ARCS 2025, please visit the ARL website.
Tips from ARCS 2025
ARCS 2025, the strategic plan developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), provides a roadmap for research libraries to adapt to the changing needs of their users and continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation. The plan outlines a number of strategies that research libraries can use to achieve its goals, including:
Tip 1: Provide equitable access to information resources for all users.
Research libraries can provide equitable access to information resources by developing collections that reflect the diversity of their users, providing access to resources in a variety of formats, and offering services and programs that meet the needs of all users.
Tip 2: Support the research process by providing access to data, tools, and expertise.
Research libraries can support the research process by providing access to a variety of data sources, research tools, and specialized expertise. They can also provide training and support to researchers on how to use these resources effectively.
Tip 3: Foster collaboration and innovation among researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders.
Research libraries can foster collaboration and innovation by creating spaces and opportunities for researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders to come together and share ideas. They can also support collaborative research projects and initiatives.
Tip 4: Develop a sustainable financial model for research libraries.
Research libraries can develop a sustainable financial model by diversifying their revenue streams, reducing costs, and advocating for increased funding from government and private sources.
Tip 5: Advocate for policies that support research libraries.
Research libraries can advocate for policies that support their mission by working with policymakers and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of research libraries and to advocate for policies that support their funding and operations.
By following these tips, research libraries can implement the ARCS 2025 plan and continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Research libraries play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
- The ARCS 2025 plan provides a roadmap for research libraries to adapt to the changing needs of their users.
- Research libraries can implement the ARCS 2025 plan by following a number of strategies, including providing equitable access to information resources, supporting the research process, fostering collaboration and innovation, developing a sustainable financial model, and advocating for policies that support research libraries.
By working together, research libraries can achieve the goals of ARCS 2025 and continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
Conclusion
ARCS 2025 is a strategic plan developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) to guide the future of research libraries. The plan is based on the belief that research libraries are essential for the advancement of knowledge and innovation, and that they must adapt to the changing needs of their users.
ARCS 2025 has five key goals: to provide equitable access to information resources for all users; to support the research process by providing access to data, tools, and expertise; to foster collaboration and innovation among researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders; to develop a sustainable financial model for research libraries; and to advocate for policies that support research libraries.
By working together, research libraries can achieve the goals of ARCS 2025 and continue to play a vital role in the advancement of knowledge and innovation. Research libraries are essential for the future of research and higher education, and ARCS 2025 provides a roadmap for them to continue to thrive in the years to come.
