Expertise and Service: A Call to Action

Although theological librarianship occurs most often at seminaries or graduate level theology programs, there are also librarians working with theology on an undergraduate level. In many cases, these librarians are responsible for additional subject areas and may or may not have any theological expertise or training. While the two groups do the same types of work, they are doing so in different ways. To explore these commonalities and differences, a study was conducted among undergraduate theology liaisons and those results were compared with the literature and data regarding graduate level theological librarianship. One hundred ten undergraduate librarians responded to a survey regarding theological liaison activities, and the results indicate both the need for more research and the need for further emphasis on undergraduate subject-area liaison duties in theology and adjacent areas

Training of subject specialist librarians in developed countries: a model offering regarding medical librarianship for Turkey

Medical librarianship (ML) has become one of the vital issues today. Expert librarians /information professionals can assist their users in cooperation with academics on issues that fall within their field. In developed countries, specialist librarianship gains importance in Information and Document Management (IDM) education. This study aims to present an idea about the training given in medical librarianship first and then in other specialties (Law Librarianship, Engineering Librarianship, etc.)

The changing roles and identities of library and information services staff

A review of the changing roles of library, IT and e-learning staff from 1960 to date. Examines convergence and blurring of roles and what constitutes professional identity

Information Explosion and University Libraries: Current Trends and Strategies for Intervention

This study examines the causes and effects of information explosion as well as strategies for intervention in university libraries. It identifies the following as causes of information explosion: the invention of printing in the mid-15th century, the growth of literacy among the middle classes in the 17th and 18th centuries, the increasing relationship between information and the competitive economic advantages of nations, and the advent of information and communication technology (ICT). It also examines the effects of information explosion on library users, such as damaged health, bad judgments, and information anxiety. Information explosion also poses challenges to acquisition, cataloguing and classification, and reference services in university libraries. It recognizes that information explosion provides users with an opportunity to select from a wide range of resources. The paper suggests subject specialization among librarians, library cooperation, outsourcing, and use of ICT as strategies for interventio

Relocating, Downsizing, and Merging: Inventory Projects to Manage Change in a Digital Environment

With a new library location and newly created librarian position, the Health Sciences Library (HSL) of the University Libraries at the University of Memphis needed a comprehensive inventory. Having previously completed a small-scale inventory, technical services librarians led the project to assess the HSL collection before the newly hired librarian arrived. Beyond ensuring that all materials were in the collection and reflected properly in the integrated library system (ILS), an up-to- date inventory asserts the value of the physical collections to a variety of campus stakeholders. This chapter offers ideas for working collaboratively with personnel across library departments to conduct and complete a major technical services project

Library liaison with non-academic units: a new application for a traditional model

This paper suggests that traditional models of liaison librarianship, which focus on liaison with academic units such as teaching departments and specific colleges within institutions, should be adapted and then expanded to include nonacademic units as well. Although the literature demonstrates that understandings of liaison work have evolved, it still contains almost no examples of how to extend library liaison beyond traditional academic units in a systematic way. As a result, existing liaison programs are too narrowly conceived, and the strengths of the liaison model are not being fully exploited. By adapting the structures in place to support traditional liaison, such programs can be expanded to include nonacademic units as well. As a result, libraries gain opportunities for broader collaboration on campus. Suggestions for identifying targets for formal nonacademic liaison are provided, as are guidelines for determining suitable liaison activities and ensuring administrative support within the library

Dangerous liaisons? Defining the Faculty Liaison Librarian service model, its effectiveness and sustainability.

Many university libraries are adopting a Faculty Liaison Librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper examines, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the Faculty Liaison Librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The Faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterised by a more outward-looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University’s teaching and research programs

Dangerous liaisons? Defining the Faculty Liaison Librarian service model, its effectiveness and sustainability.

Many university libraries are adopting a Faculty Liaison Librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper examines, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the Faculty Liaison Librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The Faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterised by a more outward-looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University’s teaching and research programs

Capturing the contribution of subject librarians: Applying strategy maps and balanced scorecards to liaison work

Purpose – The strategic contribution of subject librarians as information specialists in the digital world has been questioned by institutional administrators, but others have identified expanded roles and new opportunities in learning and research support. The present study investigates the application of Kaplan and Norton’s strategic management system of balanced scorecards and strategy maps to subject librarianship in universities, with particular reference to the intellectual capital represented and created in the structures, relationships, and know-how of liaison work. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was used to define established and emergent roles, responsibilities and skillsets of subject librarians, including their reach beyond the library. A website survey investigated goals, actions, and values related to liaison work in UK library strategies. Data were analyzed thematically to develop an exemplar map and assess its potential for evaluating the contribution of subject librarians. Findings – Core functions continue, with expanded scope and competencies. Collaboration and integrated services are key trends for mapping. Liaison work is poorly documented in existing strategies. Preliminary results suggest that strategy maps can be used to illustrate the strategic contribution of subject librarians. Research limitations/implications – The paper reports the early stages of a multi-phase project. The results are limited to the conceptual phase. The next phase will explore the development of both maps and balanced scorecards via case studies in different countries. Originality/value – There are few examples of library applications of strategy maps and balanced scorecards at unit or program level, and none with a focus on the intangible assets of subject librarians