Uncharted Territory: Academic Libraries and the Growth in Student Numbers Available to Purchase

Considers the statistics and implications of a dramatic increase in student numbers in all UK higher education institutions. Considers also the changes in the nature of students enrolled, such as mature students and credit accumulation and transfer schemes; changes in the provision of higher education through modularization and new methods of course delivery, among others. Reviews levels of resourcing and discusses the effects on library services. Examines service provision, information skills, teaching and management issues; and highlights the resulting problems and opportunities facing higher education libraries in the UK. Examines the issues in more specific relationship to the experiences of four university libraries in the East Midlands of England.