Comments on: Role of an academic librarian

By: Paul Tovell

Paul Tovell — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:03:30 +0000

Jo – you’re quite right the article is beneficial for libraries overall, and I can understand why it’s great news for academic librarians. Hope I didn’t cast too much of a damp squib on things. Will be very interesting to see how Worcester turns out.

By: Jo Alcock

Jo Alcock — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:06 +0000

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Matt, Jo, Sarah, Thewikiman – I agree, it was the accurate portrayal which stood out to me in the article. I don’t know how many non-librarians read it, but I hope that anyone who did now understands the role a little clearer – I know I didn’t until I was actually working in an academic library.

Paul – I didn’t interpret it that way and personally see it as more of a collaboration between the two libraries which, although challenging, I think will be a positive thing. I guess reading it from a different perspective due to our biases may change our views, but I’m sorry to hear you felt this way about the article. I’d like to think that everyone in the profession aims to promote libraries and librarians in general, and I felt the article was beneficial for libraries in general even though this particular focus was academic libraries.

By: thewikiman

thewikiman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:59:55 +0000

The quote I really liked from this article (which my Dad pointed out to me – I never read those sections of the Guardian, and I really should…) was this:

“…the people recruited to work in them have to be willing to embrace new technologies and customer service with an alacrity that would likely horrify the shushing custodians of the past”

This, for me, is the reality not yet understood by most of those outside the profession.

By: Paul Tovell

Paul Tovell — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:55:06 +0000

This article is great news for academic librarians who have one more journalist on their side. But for us scruffians (read: public librarians), it’s another nail in the coffin for public perception of the local library service. And just when we were starting to pull out a few with the pliers of community engagement. OK, end of metaphor. Fantastic media validation for academic librarians, absolutely. But the article is plastered with the flashiness of university money and investment; the partnership in Worcester reads more like the uni holding up the failing public library – does the latter bring anything to this deal? Surely their contribution is more than agreeing a carpet colour and handing over their patrons on a platter? Can’t help inferring that working in a public library in Worcs is so dull that everyone’s hugely relieved when the university steps in to jazz the service and save the day. Very Saving Private Ryan.

By: Sarahw9

Sarahw9 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:02:16 +0000

At least its an accurate portrayal of what academic librarians do, although I have to say its hardly new (at least the last 15 years we have been doing this). Worth sending to people who don’t have any idea of what its about though. Thanks for posting.

By: Jo Smith

Jo Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:38:56 +0000

This also seems to fit in quite nicely with our plan bytheway Jo??!!

By: Jo Smith

Jo Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:38:16 +0000

I emailed this article to all of my future in-laws…..I too am sick and tired of the stereotype we have as librarians!!!

When people ask what I do, I have statrted telling them I am an ACADEMIC LIBRARIAN.

This way, I get asked what the difference is rather than the usual ‘Shhhhh’ jibes!!!

By: Matt Durant

Matt Durant — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:46:15 +0000

Agreed. It was a great article. I get bored of telling my friends that my work extends further than telling people to be sushh and shelving books, taking fines etc. I sent a lot of emails that day, making sure everyone saw the article!