When it comes to academic libraries, which term is more appropriate: "social" or "communal?" The development of academic libraries and their future prospects

Abstract

University libraries have extended their offerings to incorporate cafes, larger study spaces, and "information commons" in order to meet the social demands of students. This modification is a direct response to the prevailing notion that university libraries are seeing a decline in the number of visitors and the availability of their resources. This study offers a comprehensive examination of several social models in contrast to the traditional emphasis of academic libraries on the local community. Academic libraries are known to offer a unique type of community that regular visitors greatly appreciate. The current efforts of the academic library to promote a wider social agenda may lead to unexpected negative outcomes and a decline in community solidarity.