Libraries Commission
The members of the Library Commission of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities announced the new version of the guide, with the participation of representatives from CRUCH and the National Accreditation Commission.
The document, which replaces the version published in 2020, includes twelve essential principles on the role of libraries in areas such as teaching, research, collection management, community engagement, digital transformation and, for the first time, also inclusion.
The new “Guide for Chilean University Libraries. Fundamental Principles”, prepared by the Libraries and Documentation Commission of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CABID-CRUCH), was officially presented on March 26, in a ceremony held at the University of Chile, marking a milestone in the strategic articulation of university libraries.
“The 2024 Guide reaffirms the library’s role as an engine of innovation and lifelong learning. In a context of digital transformation and changes in higher education, libraries must be strategic actors in academic training, in supporting research, and in creating knowledge communities,” she stated during the presentation. Karen Jara, president of CABID and director of Libraries at the University of Concepción.
“This document highlights the importance of inter-university collaboration and participation in consortia. In a world where information resources are increasingly expensive and complex, cooperation between universities is key to ensuring equitable access to information and strengthening the country's academic ecosystem,” Jara pointed out.
Meanwhile, the general secretary of CRUCH, Angélica Bosch, He congratulated CABID for the “rigorous and high-value work for the system, which will undoubtedly be a key tool to further strengthen the role of university libraries as spaces for lifelong learning, collaborative networks, and a guarantee of institutional quality.”.
Regarding the principles of the guide, the Secretary-General highlighted that the principle of inclusion is incorporated for the first time. “This reflects the Commission’s commitment to a fairer, more diverse higher education focused on the common good; and reaffirms the public role of universities through the democratization of knowledge,” she stated.
For his part, the Director of the Library System of the University of Chile, Rafael Castillo, He explained that “this guide provides clear, measurable, and adaptable guidelines. It is a roadmap for institutions seeking to strengthen their library as an integral part of their quality processes.”.
Finally, the president of CABID thanked “everyone who has been part of this process: the library directors, the work teams, the acting rector of CABID, Dr. Aliro Bórquez, who served as Rector of UCT until March of this year, and CRUCH for their support.”.
The 2024 version of the guide, which replaces the version published in 2020, includes twelve essential principles on the role of libraries in areas such as teaching, research, collection management, community engagement, digital transformation and inclusion.
From the CNA: the guide is a contribution to quality
The following person participated as an exhibitor at the ceremony: Director of Quality Promotion in Education at the National Accreditation Commission (CNA), Dr. Daniel Casanova, who referred to how the new version of the Guide for University Libraries is a contribution to quality.
“Quality is not built in isolation, but through collaborations like this one, where technical work and institutional purpose converge. This guide allows libraries to demonstrate their contribution to institutional goals. We at the CNA deeply value it,” he stated.
During his presentation, he stated that the Guide constitutes a good practice that can be situated within a regenerative quality culture and “focuses on internal developments; is aware of external expectations; evolves, seeks opportunities for improvement through external initiatives; and maintains a clear internal direction and integrates these external elements only when they add value.”.
Finally, he stated that “this document contributes to a modern and strategic understanding of quality assurance. Libraries are not just support institutions; they are key players in the academic ecosystem, and this guide makes this visible with clear indicators and evidence.”.
Download full presentation here
The 12 principles
Regarding the process of preparing the document, the president of CABID, Karen Jara, commented that “during the last four years, the CRUCH Libraries Commission has worked rigorously and with commitment on the updating and consolidation of this guide.”.
Regarding the 12 principles, each one “has been developed with indicators and recommendations that allow for the evaluation and improvement of the management of university libraries, aligning them with international standards such as ACRL 2018 and ISO standards 11620, 16439 and 2789 among others,” Jara explained.
“But beyond principles and metrics, this guide is a testament to a shared vision: a university library that not only accompanies change, but leads it. One that doesn't simply provide services, but envisions itself as an essential space for the formation of critical citizens and the generation of new knowledge,” concluded the president of CABID.
The principles outlined in the 2024 Guide are: mission and institutional effectiveness; professional values; educational role; role in supporting research and publication; discovery; collections; infrastructure; management, administration and leadership; financial resource management; people management; community engagement; and inclusion.
Related news (University of Chile) here
Discharge “Guide for Chilean University Libraries. Fundamental Principles”
Text: CABID Communications Subcommittee and CRUCH Communications
Photographs: Courtesy of the University of Chile
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