The changing role of the University Library

The role of the Library is changing, especially at a University Level.

Many are undergoing a lot of re-structuring to focus more on academic research rather than just information provision. New buildings are being built, research institutions are being created and consequently the role of the library and librarians are changing. It is a pivotal time in the growth of many universities.

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If we look at the ACU Library in Melbourne, the Raheen Library is an academic lending library which gives access to 80,000 physical items, 470,000 physical items Australia wide via it’s Inter Campus Loan (ICL) system and access to over 300,000 online resources.

What does a Liason Librarian do?

Today I have been following a Liason Librarian as part of my work placement. So time to document a few ideas, points of interest and observations for future reference:

Liason Librarian's job focus is to service the needs of the academic areas within the University Library:

• Liase with lecturers and faculties to ensure that the collection meets their teaching needs. This involves reviewing curriculum outlines and making sure that students can find the information that they need on the system. Assisting with sourcing updated resources. Scanning in documents for lecturers.
• Primary contact and ourreach for a designated faculty. They are the go-to person and responsible for servicing that department.
• Librarian has an education focus but not necessarily from an education background.
• If needed, teaching undergraduates information literacy and library orientation with staff.
• Goal is a fair and equitable service for all students, given that a Liason Librarian might be servicing a faculty with 900 students the relationship that they have is mainly with the teaching staff, not the students.
• High degree of networking and building the relationship between the Liason Librarian and the faculty.
• Librarian drop-in session for academic teaching staff, makes the Liason Librarian more visible.

Professional Placement reflection: Resource Services

I spent my first day for professional placement observing the Technical Services division of this Library.  My mind was blown by the complexity of the department but also the challenges that they face both operationally but also organisationally.

Picture of one of the processing shelves, older resources
get bookmarks rather than stamped covered and barcoded.

I kept on referring back to a conversation with a colleague last year, where he said "why do we need the library, the kids can get everything on the internet".  The internet is the mechanism by which students get access to information, but essentially it is databases that are being accessed to find information. 

Yes, but who brings it all together for students to access easily? The Resource Services Department.

Professional Placement: Australian Catholic University

Getting very excited about starting my professional placement next week.  I have managed to secure 10 days at ACU in Melbourne. They have been wonderful in accommodating Nicholas and some of his needs. It will however be a touch 10 days with my hubby pulling extra shifts and me having to use public transport in each day.

I also had the opportunity to go to Holmesglen TAFE learning Commons, but I desperately want to graduate in December and they could only place me in November. Both stellar organisations with dynamic and changing library environments.

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So next Wednesday I start at ACU. There will be reflections on the blog, which link what it is that I am observing with what I am studying.