The “bookless” curriculum and the academic library
Purpose – The purpose of this column is to examine the concept of the electronic or “bookless” curriculum and the role the library can play in this evolving environment. Design/methodology/approach – This is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – In the all-electronic or bookless environment, the librarian's role still remains an essential one of supplementary instruction where teaching is paramount to the academic librarian's responsibilities. Whether providing expert research assistance or bibliographic instruction with the aim of imparting the student with the proper intellectual reinforcement, that role is not altered by any shift away from print. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to support the discussion of this topic and provide the library and its librarians a motivation to rely upon during this shift.