Competency B

Introduction

“Libraries have been- and still are- centers of knowledge and resources for tens of thousands of communities.” This quote from Andy Haven’s article From Community to Technology and Back Again” perfectly embodies the primary purpose of all libraries. In addition to knowledge and resource sharing, these libraries are funded at varying degrees with public funds (Bedford, 2018).

Information professionals are fortunate in the fact that they develop skills that they can apply to a variety of organizational settings. All that being said, having an awareness of the intricacies of each work environment will help them better respond to their community’s needs. In this competency, we compare and contrast different library settings: public, school, and academic.

Public Libraries

The traditional image of the public library as a quiet place with a stern bespectacled older woman gatekeeping this sanctum of books is no longer. Public libraries, over time, have morphed from silent, transactional organizations to lively community anchors. Public libraries are now where people can “connect, build relationships, and create community.” (Freudenberger, 2021)

Public libraries are spaces that take on many roles within a community. The most significant roles beyond being a repository of books include: being a lifelong learning hub, providing access to technology and digital resources, and offering programming and services for kids, youth and their families. These libraries are also places where community partners can convene and connect, and social support can happen (Smith, 2015).

Information Professionals In Public Libraries

Librarians in this library type often consider it their calling to serve library users or community members (Kane, 2018). Usually, librarians within these libraries specialize in different sections of the library, such as reference, circulation, children and family services, collection development and management, as well as special collections and local history.

Librarians interested in a career in public librarianship should have the following critical skills, according to Smith (2015). These skills speak to the role of public librarians as guides that help make sense of the world.

• proficient and enjoy building relationships and partnerships

• emotional intelligence (empathy and generosity)

• problem solvers or advisors

• connectors who can transfer knowledge

School Libraries

Libraries within primary and secondary school environments are school libraries, media centers, or learning commons. These libraries usually struggle for funding because they rely on the school they are housed in, which relies on the community the school serves.

These libraries serve the school community's dynamic and ever-changing learning needs (students, teachers, administration, and parents) in a support capacity (Bedford, 2018). School libraries, like public libraries, are increasingly breaking beyond the bounds of tradition and incorporating technologies and digital media.

Information Professionals in School Libraries

School or teacher librarians usually have a teaching credential and their MLIS degree. They are responsible for the overall management of the school library and wear many hats, including acting as curriculum generalists; collaborating with classroom teachers to educate the school population about information technology and technological literacy. They are also responsible for collection development, marketing and advocacy, budgeting, managing personnel (paid and volunteer) and strategic planning (Harlan, 2021).

Librarians interested in a career in school libraries should have skills similar to those of public librarians. Skills that teachers require could also be helpful for information professionals in these roles, including (Lance & Kachel, 2018):

• information literacy

• understand instructional

• know and understand how to use emerging technologies

• understand curriculum requirements for the school

Academic Libraries

Academic libraries are found within post-secondary educational institutions. They serve students (undergraduate or graduate), faculty, and staff. These libraries are central to post-secondary institutions and are responsible for supporting students, faculty, and staff. Depending on their community, these libraries can have a broad or narrow subject focus; some serve undergraduates, and some are more specialized in law or sciences.

Information Professionals in Academic Libraries

Academic librarians often hold an additional graduate degree besides their MLIS because they are often called upon to perform subject-specific duties (Bedford, 2018). Another notable difference that makes academic librarians different from their counterparts in other organizations is that they are sometimes granted faculty status within the institution, which enables them to pursue tenure through research, publishing, and presenting.

According to Saunders (2020) in Core Knowledge and Specialized Skills in Academic Libraries, librarians interested in a career in academic libraries should have the following skills. This study explored knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSIs) by surveying information professionals and LIS faculty. The findings show the following are the top 10 KSIs for information professionals in academic library environments. There is a strong emphasis on interpersonal communication and knowledge specific to the environment.

• interpersonal communication

• knowledge of professional ethics

• writing

• search skills

• teamwork

• evaluating and selecting resources

• cultural competence

• customer service

• interacting with diverse communities

• reflective practice grounded in diversity & inclusion

• reference question negotiation