Information Technology Reference
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nearly all school subjects. In doing so, school librarians are teaching critical think-
ing and are engaged actively in the diffusion of knowledge, a process of informa-
tion transfer that we consider the key role of library and information professionals
in the 21st century.
Special Libraries and Services Reflect the Emergent Paradigm
Special librarians may work in medical, law, corporate, government, or other
types of libraries that specialize is specific subject areas. Special librarians may
also engage in entrepreneurship and independently practice their profession, con-
tracting with individuals or organizations to provide information services.
The Special Libraries Association defines the role of information professionals:
An Information Professional (“IP”) strategically uses information in his/her
job to advance the mission of the organization. This is accomplished
through the development, deployment, and management of information re-
sources and services. The IP harnesses technology as a critical tool to ac-
complish goals. IPs include, but are not limited to, librarians, knowledge
managers, chief information officers, web developers, information brokers,
and consultants. (Special Libraries Association 2014)
As suggested by this statement, special librarians customize their service to ad-
dress the needs of their clientele. The emphasis is on customized service—not
maintenance of a collection of resources. Customized service then becomes a tool
for diffusion and utilization of information. The client is at the center of the spe-
cial library; consequently, special libraries and information-broker or consultant ser-
vices providing this level of service are examples of the emergent paradigm in lib-
rary and information services.
Academic Libraries and the Emergent Paradigm
Libraries have had a long-standing tradition of focusing on the topic and have
played a valued role in the scholarly communication system as it has supported the
creation of an idea into a publication. The topic has been an end in and of itself,
a static document or artifact. The librarian collects, stores, catalogs and classifies,
circulates, and inventories topics.
Feather (2004) accurately depicts the librarian's preoccupation with the topic;
the schemes and technological systems have functioned as a closed system, thus
reinforcing the notion that the librarian's role is to purchase and protect the topic.
Libraries were then the warehouses provided for the storage of topics. It is long-
held public knowledge that the role of the librarian has been to serve as a gate-
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