“Library Trends” Examines Growth of Agricultural Information

Twenty-seven years ago, the journal Library Trends published an issue highlighting trends in agricultural libraries and the information they provide. That winter 1990 issue observed that advancements in technology, the growing number of people involved in agriculture, and producers’ willingness to teach others about their industries were all contributing to a more active, collaborative system of sharing information.

Today, the most recent issue of Library Trends revisits the topic of agricultural libraries. The issue contains 11 essays that examine past efforts to provide agricultural information to the public, address current programs needed to educate students and faculty at land-grant universities, and suggest future models to further improve the work of agricultural librarians. These essays were guest edited by Sarah C. Williams and Christine D’Arpa from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

As land-grant libraries continue to develop partnerships with publishers, extension agents, the USDA, and organizations advocating for agriculture, the public will benefit through greater access to agricultural information. When more information is discovered and made available, the interested audience will grow as well, enabling more people to learn about agriculture from reputable sources.