do “traditional” technical services librarians still exist in academic libraries? alcts role of...
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Do “Traditional” Technical Services Librarians Still Exist in Academic Libraries?
ALCTS Role of the Professional Librarian in Technical Services Interest Group-ALA AnnualJune 29, 2013
Karen Rogers-Collins ● Rhonda Fowler
This presentation will discuss the evolution of technical services job
titles and responsibilities in academic libraries.
• Examine new job titles – Qualifications – MLS or not
• Evolution of responsibilities• Case Study – Eastern Michigan
University– Past vs. Present
• Next steps
Recent Job Postings Job title: Description: Qualifications:
Digital Applications Librarian Design, deploy new technologies; facilitate discovery tools; evaluate emerging tech.
MLS or terminal degree from computer sci/info sci program
Discovery & Systems Librarian Implement new ILS; deploys digital resource systems (discovery layer)
MLS or equivalent; 1 yr. exp.; strong project management
Electronic Resources Acquisitions Librarian
Negotiation and technical support of licenses electronic resources; usage stats; supervise staff
MLS; 4 yrs. experience
ERM Specialist Licensing; Acquisitions; Usage analysis; update link resolver & knowledgebase
BA/3 yrs. experience
Metadata Librarian Creation maintain metadata all formats; RDA; apply new technologies and approaches; go beyond traditional cataloging
MLS; 2 yrs. experience
Emerging Technology & Systems Librarian
Lead ILL automation; technology project; administer ERMs; stats
MLS; ref & info literacy instruction exp.
Division Dir. of Logistics, Resources, & Distribution Svcs
Leadership over collection and content development and management
MLS; minimum of five years as a manager and supervisor of full time staff in a library or library-related field (e.g., vendor)
Current qualifications and expectations
• Leadership• Work collaboratively with
library and campus faculty, staff, students, administration
• Evaluate, test and deploy emerging technologies, tools and resources
• Set goals. Thinks of the mission of the library as a whole
• Manage and supervise staff
• Extract meaningful data for decision making. Run statistical reports and interpret and develop metrics
• Manage budget• Evaluate workflows• Project management –
success or failure • Implement strategic plans• Participate in task forces and
contractual committees
EMU Case Study
• Technical Services (Yesterday)– Cataloging – Acquisitions– Serials
• Technical Services (Today)– Cataloging/Metadata– Acquisitions– Serials and Electronic Resources– Government Documents– Interlibrary Loan
Ongoing Research-Next Steps
• Are masters level library science programs preparing grads for professional responsibilities? Are students interested in Tech Services as a career?
• Survey question – Have the role of librarians in academic tech service units expanded, grown smaller, or remained the same? What qualifications are being required/desired?
Ongoing Research -Next Steps
• If work or skills we have acquired in library school are being shifted to library support, what is the value of the MLS?
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