Session Number

M111

Keywords

libraries, librarians, library added value, librarians’ skills, 21 century library

Description

This presentation focuses on a review of the external forces and dynamics that influence the processes of learning, scholarship, research, and discovery at a large university. It examines the informational/knowledge needs, behaviours, and mindsets of users ranging from undergraduates, graduates, post-graduates, and researchers, to Nobel laureates.

It maps various paths of informational needs and looks at the behaviour of users in several categories and the perceived differences in diverse subject areas. Issues of demonstrating value, in this new environment of not needing libraries and librarians, because “everything is online” are discussed. It looks at the ways librarians presently deal with today’s user expectations.

Specific attention is given to the importance of managing user expectations during times of major change. Examples of recent changes at Bodleian Libraries (renovations, new ILS system roll out, etc.) are used to highlight the appropriate use of tools and communication timeliness.

It reviews how librarians validate their perceptions and assumptions. It discusses the value of a variety of assessment tools offered by commercial vendors. It evaluates traditional librarian strengths, skills and contributions to education, scholarship, and research. It maps these strengths against the needs and expectations of today’s information customers.

Consideration is given to skills not learned/acquired in formal university graduate programmes in Librarianship, especially “soft” skills (presentation, public speaking, research funding processes, etc.), critical to success in librarians’ 21st Century roles. It examines if these observations are valid in institutions of different focus size.

Lastly, it considers the future, the 21st Century. Can the profession, traditionally defined by physical collections, thrive in the digital world? Can librarians take advantage of strategic planning tools effecting sound strategic decisions (scenario planning for example) to secure a place for libraries and librarians in the institution’s future?

With homage to Aristotle, I conclude with questions to the audience. What is the “added value” of librarians vis-à-vis learning and research process changes? What services can libraries offer to facilitate new processes? Can East meet West…can librarians significantly contribute facilitating changes to meet users’ needs, their behaviour changes, and future expectations? Will there be 21st Century librarians?

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M111 Presentation

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Jun 4th, 12:00 AM

21st Century Librarians for 21st Century Libraries

This presentation focuses on a review of the external forces and dynamics that influence the processes of learning, scholarship, research, and discovery at a large university. It examines the informational/knowledge needs, behaviours, and mindsets of users ranging from undergraduates, graduates, post-graduates, and researchers, to Nobel laureates.

It maps various paths of informational needs and looks at the behaviour of users in several categories and the perceived differences in diverse subject areas. Issues of demonstrating value, in this new environment of not needing libraries and librarians, because “everything is online” are discussed. It looks at the ways librarians presently deal with today’s user expectations.

Specific attention is given to the importance of managing user expectations during times of major change. Examples of recent changes at Bodleian Libraries (renovations, new ILS system roll out, etc.) are used to highlight the appropriate use of tools and communication timeliness.

It reviews how librarians validate their perceptions and assumptions. It discusses the value of a variety of assessment tools offered by commercial vendors. It evaluates traditional librarian strengths, skills and contributions to education, scholarship, and research. It maps these strengths against the needs and expectations of today’s information customers.

Consideration is given to skills not learned/acquired in formal university graduate programmes in Librarianship, especially “soft” skills (presentation, public speaking, research funding processes, etc.), critical to success in librarians’ 21st Century roles. It examines if these observations are valid in institutions of different focus size.

Lastly, it considers the future, the 21st Century. Can the profession, traditionally defined by physical collections, thrive in the digital world? Can librarians take advantage of strategic planning tools effecting sound strategic decisions (scenario planning for example) to secure a place for libraries and librarians in the institution’s future?

With homage to Aristotle, I conclude with questions to the audience. What is the “added value” of librarians vis-à-vis learning and research process changes? What services can libraries offer to facilitate new processes? Can East meet West…can librarians significantly contribute facilitating changes to meet users’ needs, their behaviour changes, and future expectations? Will there be 21st Century librarians?