EmailAmerica: New York University library
Photograph: Elena Olivo
Well-designed space is one of the most important services an academic library can offer, says dean of library Carol Mandel
UK: University of Manchester library
Photograph: University of Manchester
The library is not being used less, it's just user needs that are changing, says university librarian Janet Wilkinson – so don't forget the wifi
Japan: Hachioji library, Tama Art University
Photograph: Eiji Ina
A university library designed by a world-leading architect inspires and challenges in equal measure, says library head Hidemi Kondo
Nigeria: American University of Nigeria library
Photograph: supplied
Open access and libraries centred around online learning and research are key in developing countries, says library director Amed Demirhan
UK: Bodleian library, University of Oxford
Photograph: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
We need to shape the skills of library staff to meet user needs while maintaining specialist knowledge, says interim Bodley's librarian Richard Ovenden
Australia: Queensland University of Technology library
Photograph: Queensland University of Technology
With 97% of its research downloads from outside Australia, the library's open access expertise is invaluable, says library director Judy Stokker
Singapore: Nanyang Technological University library
Photograph: Nanyang Technological University
Finding information is not the problem, says university librarian Choy Fatt Cheong – libraries are now taking the lead on how to communicate it
Read Choy's interview
Brazil: Unicamp library system
Photograph: Unicamp
The academic library must go where the user is and provide access to the latest technologies, says library coordinator Luiz Atilio Vicentini
Canada: Harris Learning library, Nipissing University
Photograph: Nipissing University
Traditional research methods are still in high demand, says director of library services Nancy Black – and library staff continue to play a vital role
Italy: European University Institute library
Photograph: European University Institute
Libraries small and large will benefit from collaboration to sustain learning and exchange knowledge, says deputy library director Tommaso Giordano
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