Perspectives on Globalization of American Libraries

Abstract

An introduction to the edited book by the same authors, The Globalized Library (ACRL, 2019). This article puts in perspective the historical development of American libraries and the current trends as they relate to the internationalization of collections, digitization, instruction, services, and development of library professionals. The authors argue that the American academic libraries have always been international in nature due to their external and internal environments, and will continue to be so in a foreseeable future.