do “traditional” technical services librarians still exist in academic libraries? alcts role of...
TRANSCRIPT
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?
Questions?Karen Rogers-Collins
Electronic Resources and Serials [email protected]
734-487-2586
Rhonda FowlerGovernment Documents and Public Services
734-487-2587