Library service at the “paperless” information center

Abstract

PurposeBy reflecting the historical transition of the University of Southern California (USC) social work departmental library, the article aims to share challenges and solutions of the library collection and services in the electronic environment and to facilitate a discussion about the future of library services.Design/methodology/approachThe author conducted a literature review about departmental libraries, and a historical review of the USC social work library collection and services. Direct observation, surveys, reference statistics and the web visiting data were employed in the research analysis. A new vision and service model were created.FindingsThe USC social work students rely on both the print and electronic resources for their research and study. The decentralized social work library collection and the students' inadequate information literacy skills are the major challenges for the librarian. Information literacy instruction, web‐based collection management and library outreach are beneficial for the access service at the new information center.Research limitations/implicationsSome findings may not be compatible with other user groups in academic libraries. The established service model is applicable in other departmental libraries and information centers.Practical implicationsThe solutions employed by the USC social work librarian are applicable in other departmental academic libraries.Originality/valueThis paper combines research and library service practice at the information center.