Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Academic librarians generally have a research requirement with their workload.
These information professionals are increasingly publishing their “action research”
and sharing their solutions to their professional work, or they may be conducting
theoretical research that they participate in alone or through collaboration with oth-
er faculty. This type of professional inquiry may be both unique and identified as
vital to the wider university plan and areas of distinction.
Educational Function
Using information effectively in an environment where technology is always
changing presents some challenges. Yet teaching how to use information in
today's digital age is an important function that all types of library and information
service agencies recognize. Librarians collaborate with colleagues both within lib-
raries and those stakeholders beyond the libraries. Collaboration often includes
planning, delivering, and assessing information literacy initiatives within the larger
context of instruction and learning in an organization.
New services are focused on interdisciplinary projects and strategic priorities at
the campus level, such as providing information literacy instruction through general
education requirements that involve teaching students how to enter the academic
culture, such as statistics and basic skills. While there are some research methods
that can be taught across disciplines, other liaison librarians may be embedded
in higher-level courses where specific instruction regarding research methods and
resources can be applied.
Such instruction and programming isn't left only to academic libraries, but also
includes public and school libraries, where learning opportunities include basic di-
gital literacy sessions and inviting researchers in to give eScience talks.
Academic and public libraries are joining museums in building makerspaces
and a sense of place that is dedicated to problem solving, creation, and collabor-
ation. Sometimes it is for DIY (do-it-yourself) craft projects or for building techno-
logical solutions such as coding commands for Lego robots or creating electron-
ic boards where electric current flows. Often it's an opportunity for engagement in
many areas that are categorized as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics) or STEAM (which adds
A
for art) opportunities, where teens meet
and learn computer coding. The libraries' services aren't restricted to the space
among the shelves, but they also invite members to take computer classes or pro-
gram bots. Some libraries are cultivating community gardens and offering cooking
classes with the produce that is harvested.
In academic libraries the liaison or subject specialist's role is best understood
through their joint theoretical understanding of a discipline. Many of these inform-
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