ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the significant role that academic libraries have in creating and supporting digital learning environments, and participating in them today and into the future. It outlines the evolution of the academic library over time, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of library services and library management. The book provides insights into specialist areas of academic library practice, focusing on digital services and resources. It elaborates on amongst many things, social networking tools, research data management, libraries as publishers, working in virtual learning environments, and the challenge of educating learners and teachers about the myriad of information resources and services that are available. Academic libraries are here today, and academic libraries will be here tomorrow. They have survived many changes over the centuries and, in the majority of cases, prospered in the new eras each significant change brings.
