Connections, Conversations, and Visibility: How the Work of Academic Reference and Liaison Librarians Is Evolving

Abstract

The work of reference, subject, and liaison librarians is evolving, rapidly in some cases. This article provides an overview of the new roles that these librarians are involved in based on an extensive review of the literature in these areas over the last ten years. While some of these roles have been extensively covered in bibliographic essays of their own (data management, changes to information literacy instruction), this article attempts to provide a broader view of the situation, along with highlighting salient examples of the ways that librarians are trying to forge new and different connections with faculty and students, facilitate important conversations, and stay visible and relevant on their campuses.

Models for Engaging Liaisons in Research Data Services

“…This model follows recommendations for evolving and developing liaison roles as specific-rather than additional-responsibilities as well as the need for specific expert capabilities in areas such as data management. (Hahn, 2009;Jaguszewski & Williams, 2013;Johnson, 2018)…”

Conveying Complexity in Contemporary Academic Library Service Models

“…A service desk remains the most visible aspect of academic library services, aside from the website, and despite growth in the areas of outreach and information literacy instruction (Johnson, 2018). Historically, front-line library service desks have been built around discrete categories of circulation and reference, although additional services like technology help are often provided.…”

“…These conditions can also be understood as corresponding to a widespread adoption of neoliberal ideology within public institutions (Steger & Roy, 2010). Johnson (2018) clearly outlines the challenges of the visibility of librarian work as roles evolve away from a traditional reference librarian job description. Of concern is not just the visibility of librarian work, but of the prominence of complex work offered to a campus by the academic library as a whole.…”

Making sense of librarian-led information literacy instruction

“…The concept of academic libraries arose from the need to keep published books and manuscripts for faculty. Academic libraries eventually transitioned into a funded department with librarians who provide instruction to students, help faculty with publications, create digital repositories and manage scholarly publications (Goetsch, 2008;Johnson, 2018).…”

“…In the 21 st century, the role of academic librarians shifted due to "the increased availability of and improved access to computing and information technology" (Rice-Lively & Racine, 1997, p. 33). Academic librarians are now responsible for duties such as working with faculty on copyright issues, creating digital repositories, managing scholarly communications, promoting 3D printing and makerspaces, and facilitating digital authorship (Goetsch, 2008, Johnson, 2018.…”