Company Profile: The Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc.
Background
Established in 1982, the Robert W. Woodruff Library serves as the central academic resource for the Atlanta University Center (AUC), comprising Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The library is named in honor of Robert Winship Woodruff, philanthropist and former CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. It functions as the intellectual and information hub of the AUC, supporting the teaching, learning, and research missions of its member institutions.
Key Strategic Focus
The library's strategic focus includes:
- Information Management and Instruction: Providing access to a variety of global information resources to support teaching and learning.
- Cultural Preservation: Maintaining extensive archival collections that document African American history and culture.
- Digital Innovation: Leading in the innovative delivery of digital resources and services.
- Community Engagement: Serving as a collaborative space for students and faculty across the AUC institutions.
Financials and Funding
As a nonprofit corporation under the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code, the library operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. In the fiscal year 2024, the library reported total revenues of $13,765,854 and total expenses of $14,495,008. The library's assets were valued at $39,387,130 in 2024.
Pipeline Development
The library's development initiatives focus on:
- Archival Expansion: Enhancing storage and preservation facilities for growing collections.
- Digital Scholarship: Developing digital platforms to increase access to resources.
- Facility Upgrades: Renovating spaces to support collaborative learning and research.
Technological Platform and Innovation
The library employs several technological platforms and innovations:
- Digital Preservation Lab: Supports digital preservation projects and initiatives.
- Bloomberg Finance Lab: Provides resources for business, economics, and finance programs.
- Exhibition Hall Renovation: Transforming the space to facilitate active learning and collaborative engagement.
Leadership Team
The library is governed by a ten-member Board of Trustees, including:
- George T. French, Jr., Ph.D.: President of Clark Atlanta University and Board Chair.
- F. DuBois Bowman, Ph.D.: President of Morehouse College.
- Rosalind Brewer: Interim President of Spelman College.
- Kimberley Bugg, Ph.D.: CEO & Director of the AUC Woodruff Library.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The library operates within the higher education sector, focusing on providing resources and services to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The market emphasizes the need for digital innovation, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors include other academic libraries serving HBCUs, such as:
- Howard University Libraries: Offers extensive resources and services to support teaching and research.
- Tuskegee University Libraries: Provides comprehensive collections and digital resources.
- Florida A&M University Libraries: Focuses on student engagement and digital scholarship.
These institutions also emphasize digital innovation, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The library collaborates with various organizations to enhance its services:
- Association of Research Libraries (ARL): Became the 127th member in July 2022, the second HBCU library to achieve this distinction.
- Library Publishing Coalition: Joined in July 2022 to expand its publishing capabilities.
Operational Insights
The library's strategic considerations include:
- Digital Transformation: Enhancing digital resources and services to meet evolving user needs.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with member institutions and the broader community.
- Cultural Preservation: Expanding archival collections to document African American history and culture.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The library's strategic roadmap includes:
- Digital Scholarship Initiatives: Developing platforms for digital research and publication.
- Facility Enhancements: Renovating spaces to support collaborative learning and research.
- Community Outreach: Engaging with local and global communities to promote cultural preservation.
Contact Information
- Website: www.auctr.edu
- Social Media: Facebook: AUCWoodruffLibrary, Twitter: AUCWoodruffLib, Instagram: aucwoodrufflibrary
