Academic librarianship has had a traditional role encompassing various specialisms: subject support, training, journal subscription management, collection development and user engagement front of house. While many of these roles remain, they should be re-evaluated. New competencies and skillsets in teaching, publishing, bibliometrics, impact, data…

This article examines the management of microdata collections in a university context. It is a cross-country analysis: Collection management at data services in Canada and South Africa are considered. The case studies are of two university sub-contexts: One collection is located in a library; the other at a Faculty-based Data Service. Stages in…

The University of Manchester Library (UML) is embarking on an ambitious new strategy that aims to align the library more closely to the work of the University--to contribute to the University's strategic success. This article describes elements of the strategy development and content, focusing on methods used; how the service has worked…

Mobile devices are being extensively adopted by health sciences faculty, students, and practitioners, but there is little evidence of how this technology is being used by health librarians in their own professional practice. In 2011, health sciences librarians at the University of Saskatchewan undertook a project to familiarize themselves with…

Examines the ineffectiveness of search and screen committees in hiring for professional positions in academic libraries. Alternatives such as automating various parts of the process, group interviews, and assessment centers are considered; and educating all staff in interviewing skills and increasing their participation in the search and screen…

Examines how library managers can work with staff to make change initiatives more successful, based on cooperative planning experiences at Duke University Library. Focuses on (1) what the worker wants; (2) barriers to workers getting what they want; (3) technology's liberating influence; and (4) recommendations/predictions. (AEF)

Discusses ways to achieve peak performance in academic libraries by emphasizing staff development. Highlights include self-assessment; conflict of commitment; self-absorption; institutional loyalty; focusing on the future; and understanding the library's strategic plan, mission statement, and policies. (AEF)

Discusses an in-service cross-training program designed for reference desk workers at the University of New Mexico Library. Describes the reference department and provides an overview of cross training. Highlights include training issues, a needs assessment questionnaire, program implementation, and evaluation. Four appendices provide sample…

Discussion of Internet software and its use in libraries focuses on a software evaluation program at the undergraduate library at Southern Illinois University. Highlights include staff training for information technology, availability and selection of shareware and freeware, and an evaluation form for Internet software. (LRW)

This document describes an investigation of the adequacy of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library's organizational structure, organizational climate, staffing patterns, training, career development, and communication to meet the needs of a postulated public services environment of 5 to 10 years in the future. Discussion of the…

Examines myths and realities of aging in the academic library workforce and other work environments. Discusses technology-related changes in higher education; technology training; performance evaluation and career development for veteran library staff; managing change with late-career employees; implications for public and reference services; and…

A general list of suggestions for effective library instruction and library instruction projects in a variety of disciplines are presented in this guide. Developed for a faculty and academic staff development seminar, the Library Instruction within the Curriculum Project, these projects illustrate diverse approaches to library instruction with the…

Reviews arguments for library instructional programs for international college students and summarizes factors of successful programs. Characteristics include: an encouraging attitude; avoiding stereotyping; watching what is said; offering staff development and sensitivity training; teaching small classes; simplifying information presented; using…

The Federal Government of Nigeria was granted US $120 million by the World Bank for solving long-standing university library problems, like small and poor quality of library collections, lack of library equipment, and training of staff. Recommends fiscal measures and asserts the credit facility serves as a palliative for the problem of information…

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Library participated in the statewide conversion to a new integrated library system in the summer of 2002. Prior to the system's implementation, various local and statewide committees coordinated efforts to train their staffs so as to ensure a seamless transition. This case study analyzes, in…