Book Launch - The Strategic Positioning of Academic Libraries: Global Challenges, Local Politics and Strategy Development by John Cox
I had the privilege of sitting down with John to discuss his new book and began by asking what inspired him to write it at this time. Although writing had always been an interest of his, a busy work schedule had prevented him from committing to a full-length book. However, John recognised that his earlier work on academic libraries provided a strong foundation for a cohesive and timely publication which would focus more broadly on academic libraries globally. John also recognised the value of undertaking a transitional project in the knowledge that retirement represents a significant new phase in life.
Writing can be a challenging process, and I asked John how he found the process and if it was challenging. For John, the biggest challenge was synthesising all the literature and keeping pace with the rapidly changing world and changes within the higher education landscape. The topic John chose to write about was broad and he felt it was important to be as informed as possible on the topic and in the end his research cited over 500 sources. He also noted both the introduction and conclusion proved particularly challenging as he wanted the opening chapter to engage readers from the outset, while ensuring the conclusion effectively drew together the book’s key themes.
Given the vast amount of research conducted for this book I wondered which part of the research process did John find most difficult or surprising. Having accumulated an extensive volume of notes from his research, John was determined to manage the writing process as efficiently as possible. To achieve this, he devoted considerable effort into organising his notes into a tight and coherent structure. He spent a lot of time indexing notes for each chapter so he could draw together subtopics that needed emphasis without omitting important items but equally avoiding being too long winded. Space is finite in a book like this, and with an agreed wordcount of 90,000 words with his publisher, he spent more time organising material and thinking about how best to use it than he did writing. His goal was to make the writing the easiest part of the whole process and this in fact proved to be the case.
I asked John how he decided what ultimately made the final cut. Interestingly, he said he approached the task by thinking like a reader rather than a writer. He wanted to ensure that readers could “see the wood for the trees,” avoiding an over-packed or overly dense text. He was guided by a quote he once heard: “An overloading of the suitcase will make for a sluggish journey.”
I asked John whether he had made any significant discoveries that changed his approach to the book. Unsurprisingly, he noted that certain factors required stronger emphasis. These included the level of uncertainty in today’s world and its impact on academic libraries and the higher education sector, as well as how libraries can leverage their strengths, such as centrality, values, and longevity to their advantage. He also observed that the influence of campus politics warranted greater attention in the book, something which provided the basis for his recent article on the role of politics in shaping academic library positioning.
Finally, I asked John what he hoped readers would take from his book. Ultimately, he would like librarians to recognise that the world is changing faster than ever and that in order to thrive, libraries must consciously look outwards, making sense both of global developments and the dynamics within their own institutions. Libraries have existed since the 13th century and have weathered countless challenges and crises, a history from which they can draw strength. Their legacy carries significant weight within institutions, and it is important for libraries to protect this heritage while positioning themselves strategically. As the cornerstone of the information field, libraries continue to play a vital and leading role in institutions now and into the future.
The Strategic Positioning of Academic Libraries: Global Challenges, Local Politics and Strategy Development is published by Facet Publishing and can be purchased from https://www.facetpublishing.co.uk/page/detail/the-strategic-positioning-of-academic-libraries/?k=9781783306909
Evelyn Bohan, Head of Learning, User Support & Engagement
Library, University of Galway
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