University Libraries Face Collection Polarisation at ADBU Congress

The Reader Times desk 3 November 2026 Based on Livres Hebdo reporting

Engraved illustration of a library room with a study desk, shelves and warm light. — Editorial illustration for The Reader Times.

The 55th congress of the Association of Directors and Staff of University Libraries (ADBU) in Montpellier highlighted growing tensions over balancing pluralism and quality in academic collections.

The ADBU gathering, held from 30 September to 2 October in Montpellier, brought together university library leaders to debate how collections should navigate sensitive subjects while maintaining scholarly standards.

Participants noted that pressures to both broaden the range of viewpoints and enforce rigorous quality criteria are creating divergent approaches within the profession.

Some delegates argued for expanding access to a wider spectrum of perspectives, especially on contentious issues, to support academic freedom and diverse curricula.

Others warned that unchecked expansion could dilute collection quality, urging stricter selection processes to preserve the integrity of research resources.

The conference underscored that finding a sustainable equilibrium remains a central challenge for university libraries across France and beyond.