Libraries across Land and Sea: Academic Library Services on International Branch Campuses

Abstract

This preliminary study explores how library services are offered at the international branch campuses of U.S. institutions of higher education, including librarians’ experiences, challenges faced, and collaborations with the home U.S. institutions. The data from a Web survey distributed to international branch campus librarians, a conducted interview, and statistical data are presented. The small sample survey data are analyzed qualitatively, suggesting insights on how librarians are embedded in student instruction and staff training and how libraries play an important role in the establishment of international branch campuses. A larger study is strongly suggested to gain more concrete inferences, and the article discusses the role of U.S. academic libraries in the globalization initiatives of their home institutions.