Universities, Third Mission and academic libraries’ heritage. Towards an assessment scheme

Abstract

The guidelines about Third Mission/Social Impact published by the Italian relevant authority (ANVUR) in November 2018 are focused also on the academic libraries’ heritage and on the activities aimed to promote it. This heritage – not only the special collections but also the buildings where libraries are housed – is unique and original, so can identify each library. As libraries’ heritage is often fascinating, as well as outstanding from the historical and artistic points of view, and sometimes of local interest, it can attract non-academic audiences, too. Many different skills (about history, bibliography, ICT, marketing, financial management etc.) are required to manage projects on libraries’ heritage, so cooperation both with academic staff and external partners may be helpful. Furthermore, this perspective can make academic libraries explore new ways to strengthen their role in society (e.g. cultural tourism). An evaluation scheme for such activities is proposed thanks to some methodological suggestions gathered from professional literature, guidelines, reports and case-studies. The scheme refers to academic libraries in the context of Third Mission/Social Impact..