SPEC Kit 309: Library Support for Study Abroad

Research universities have long supported study abroad programs of varying nature, including short-term study tours and service learning experiences, as well as semester- and year-long academic programs. As society becomes more globally focused, and industry requires workers who are prepared to work in a multinational environment, these programs are becoming more critical to America’s competitiveness. Providing research materials and library services targeted to participants in short-term, formal, credit-bearing educational programs that take place outside of the country of the home institution is a particular challenge. This survey explored how ARL member libraries are responding to the needs of faculty and student participants in such programs, which library services and resources are provided to participants, how library support is staffed and administered, whether collections are physical or online, and how services are delivered.