New & Ongoing Library Initiatives

The library initiatives highlighted this year show a clear shift: we’re doubling down on instructional partnerships, research/data services, and AI experimentation. Instruction had the strongest presence within the ABLD YIR reports, with 17 out of 39 institutions reporting contributions across the curriculum including support in at least 10 MBA programs, 6 specialized master’s tracks, and several undergraduate business courses. Libraries at Emory University, The Pennsylvania State University, and Dartmouth College described curriculum-integrated research sessions, custom tutorial modules, and team-taught instruction that blurred the lines between librarian and faculty roles. These weren’t one-off sessions—they were embedded in course design and delivery. This shift calls for librarians to be at the instructional and research design table as pedagogical partners. The YIR indicates many libraries are proactively seeking opportunities for curriculum-level engagement, co-developing courses with faculty, and working to position themselves as equal contributors in instructional design.

Beyond Consults: Research and Data Services Scale Up

The Year-in-Review showed that data services are surging alongside instruction. With 16 mentions across the 39 YIR reports, research and data services are expanding their scope. Institutions like MIT, Columbia University, and Purdue University shared innovations that went beyond consultations. Purdue expanded its research services by integrating data ethics guidance into faculty consultations. Also included was expanded support, such as how the University of British Columbia redesigned workshops that have integrated navigating financial databases using software (such as Excel and Python) to cover topics like financial modeling. Library liaisons were mentioned as co-creators, developing tools, guiding data ethics conversations, and embedding AI literacy into research support.

It was clear from the YIR reports that AI is here, and experimentation is underway. In total, five institutions explicitly reported AI-related initiatives, ranging from exploratory pilots (Carnegie Mellon University’s sandbox) to structured engagement strategies (MIT’s AI strategy group) to Babson College piloting AI citation tools within business classes. Each of these examples showed business librarians leaning into AI with equal parts curiosity and caution.

Library Organization Changes & Staff Trends

Organizational realignment was seen consistently through the YIR. Six institutions described major reorganizations, and several noted staff serving in interim or dual roles. New AI-forward positions are emerging in response to evolving service needs. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Libraries’ integration into a larger UEIS division (University Libraries, Entertainment Technology Center, IDeATe, and Sustainability Initiative) signals alignment with institutional tech priorities. Dartmouth reshaped reporting lines and hired new talent in access services and business librarianship. Meanwhile, Michigan State University’s team is rethinking services under interim leadership.

What emerges from these examples is a shared tension seen throughout libraries: hiring lags, shifting priorities, and growing responsibilities. Budget uncertainty and hybrid work policies have pushed many to revisit how the work gets done.

Physical Space

Several libraries made notable changes to their physical spaces to foster a more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment. HEC Montreal introduced a “family space” to support students with young children, allowing them to attend to their children’s needs, spend time together and find balance between their personal and academic lives. William & Mary removed 3M gates at the library entrance to improve accessibility.

Other libraries introduced new services aimed at improving user experience. HBS launched a new “Grab & Go” service to streamline borrowing. Requested items are checked out in advance and placed on designated shelves for convenient pick up during operating hours. Dartmouth implemented the “Feldberg Warmth” project, featuring a rotating display from the popular literature collection, plants, and games to create a more inviting atmosphere.

Some institutions focused on upgrading their space, technology, and infrastructure. Michigan State partnered with its business school to upgrade library study rooms with technology and equipment similar to what is available in the school. CMU’s Hunt Library will be undergoing renovation to redesign its circulation desk and café and install new entrance doors. Business libraries at New York University and University of Washington piloted soundproof pods to provide private spaces for phone calls and interview practice.

Columbia University added a 500-square-foot satellite library to its business school campus in Manhattanville. While the business and economics library on the main campus remains operational, the satellite location offers essential on-site services such as course reserves, book pick-up and return, drop-in research help by appointment, and four computer workstations with access to major business research resources.

Meanwhile, libraries at the University of Chicago and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) faced temporary disruptions due to flooding and leaks. Fortunately, there was no major damage to collections.

Collections

Over seventy new business resources were added by one or more ABLD libraries this year. Among these Dewey, a subscription-based platform offering datasets from third party vendors on topics including real estate, healthcare and ecommerce, was added by at least five libraries. This reflects a growing demand for specialized datasets and highlights Dewey’s appeal to academic libraries seeking to expand their offerings without having to vet each provider for their content, pricing, and licensing terms. Other resources added by at least two members included LSEG Workspace, Mintel, Revelio, and Sage Data Decisions.

Several members transitioned to Mergent Market Atlas and/or LSEG Workspace to maintain access to investment analyst reports following the sunsetting of Investext and Mergent Online by the vendor. As a result, Mergent Online topped the list of cancelled databases followed by Eikon and LSEG Workspace. See Appendix for a full list of new subscriptions, cancellations, and updates.

Contract negotiations were another area of concern. Several members reported restrictive terms, prolonged negotiations, and unresponsive vendors, all of which delayed finalizing agreements. Many libraries also expressed frustration with the push for single-sign-on (SSO) by vendors such as S&P Market Intelligence and PitchBook. While SSO is often promoted by vendors for improved data security, user experience, and reduced need for mediation, implementation has been hindered by technical challenges and IT departments’ reluctance due to perceived complexity.

High renewal prices remain a significant concern, especially as demand for specialized databases continues to grow while library budgets shrink. Most libraries anticipate further budget cuts this year, creating uncertainty around renewal and cancellation decisions. Some members are experimenting with cost sharing arrangements to meet user needs. CMU is using a form to record and track such partnerships. Duke and HBS also reported cost-shared subscriptions. There may additional members with similar arrangements and tracking these in the future could help analyze overall spending trends among ABLD members.

Many libraries reported signing new transformative agreements with major publishers including Springer, Nature, Elsevier, Emerald, and Sage. At Vanderbilt University, these agreements have led to significant cost savings.

Business Schools Issues, Organizational Changes, & New Initiatives

From the annual reports, it was clear that the pace of change in business schools hasn’t slowed. The most consistent trend was programmatic growth, especially in online, hybrid, and executive education formats. Over half of the institutions reported major strategic plans or leadership changes within their business schools, often prompting broader realignments. Twelve institutions reported strategic planning efforts or leadership turnover, often in tandem with broader curriculum and organizational reforms.

Many of the ABLD business schools were going all-in on experiential learning: real-world consulting, case competitions, and community partnerships. At the same time, cross-disciplinary collaborations and global partnerships are reshaping what it means for both business schools and business students to be “future-ready.” Cross-campus collaborations now span areas such as business, engineering, and public health, with several schools also forming global partnerships for executive education.

While AI and data literacy are starting to seep into the business curriculum and business school strategy, the degree of integration remains uneven amongst the ABLD institutions. AI appeared more prominently in the section of the YIR focused on Business School Issues, Organizational Changes and New Initiatives rather than in the section on Library New and Ongoing Initiatives likely due to a combination of strategic, structural, and cultural factors. This contrast likely stems from business schools positioning AI as a core business competency, embedding it into curriculum design, leadership initiatives, and executive education to future-proof their programs and stay globally competitive.

Libraries, on the other hand, are still in early experimental stages, and these initiatives are often constrained by limited staffing, budget pressures, and a more cautious approach. While business schools emphasize AI deployment and competitive advantage, libraries have focused on literacy, ethics, and responsible use. The slower pace in libraries may also stem from different risk frameworks: librarians typically foreground concerns around misinformation, bias, and academic integrity, whereas business schools tend to prioritize innovation and market relevance.

Other News

Michigan State University’s tenure system faculty are still moving forward with unionization. Negotiations continue a year later. Negotiations are also ongoing at the University of Pennsylvania where non-managerial librarians voted for unionization in August 2024. Several ABLD members reported publications, presentations and grants received. Consult the annual reports from George Washington University, Penn State, Purdue, and Vanderbilt for more details. The Ohio State University Libraries received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) award from Insight into Diversity magazine.

Congratulations to all ABLD members on these achievements!