Session delivered at the new professionals conference 2009

1. Unleashing the potential: new professionals in the workplace Emma Illingworth and Sarah IsonAssistant Information AdvisersAldrich Library, University of Brighton

2. University of Brighton Student Population 67% of our students across all levels are over 21 when they start their course. During 2007/2008 we had 1,188 international and 1,398 EU students from 100 countries. 8% of our students have declared a disability 62% of our students are female

3. Defining the 21st century library user University of Brighton 21st Century Library Users Studentsft, pt, distance, ug, pg, home, international, EU, partner college Professionals/public Researchers Staffft, pt, visiting, academic, technical, support

4. Independent Digital Immigrants Connected 24/7 Characteristics of 21st century library users (Generation X and Generation Y) Confident Optimistic Digital natives Bored by routine Entrepreneurial Goal oriented

5. ‘An essential component of facilitating learning is understanding learners.’ Oblinger, 2003

6. ‘The role of libraries in facilitating access to information remains central. In order to be effective however, there is a need for understanding of the ways in which users seek, acquire and utilise information.’ Brophy, 2007

7. Identifying the needs of 21st century library users at University of Brighton School board meetings Comments/feedback by comment form and email Verbal comments at the enquiry desk Information services student survey Information services staff survey Aldrich library feedback wiki

8. Feedback wiki

9. Feedback wiki

10. Information services student survey

11. Skills of a 21st century information professional – BINGO!! Ability to embrace change Commitment to customer service Comfortable in the online medium Enthusiasm for learning new technologies Ability to troubleshoot technologies Patience Enthusiasm for learning Project management skills Ability to question and evaluate library services Ability to evaluate the needs of all stakeholders Vision to translate traditional library services into the online medium Ability to compare and be critical of new technologies Diplomacy skills Ability to sell ideas and library services

12. ENTHUSIASM CREATIVITY INNOVATION

13. Marketing your skills and services – our top tips! Make the most of opportunities to talk to a group of users. Have a consistent presence online. Keep your finger on the pulse Participate actively in departmental meetings – get yourself, your role and your ideas known. Share good practice with colleagues. Try promoting yourself to a specific group of users.