1.
The Role of Librarians in the 21 st Century Paper presented by Mila M. Ramos 35 th ALAP Anniversary Forum June 8, 2007 UPLB CEAT Auditorium

2.
Overview <ul><li>The Ongoing Debate About the Relevance of Librarians </li></ul><ul><li>The Changing Library and Information Environment </li></ul><ul><li>The Library 2.0 concept </li></ul><ul><li>Traditional and Current Roles </li></ul><ul><li>Competencies Needed for Added Roles </li></ul><ul><li>10 steps to put your library out there </li></ul><ul><li>Conclusion: the challenges and the way forward </li></ul>

3.
The Ongoing Debate on the Role of Libraries: 2 Haunting Questions <ul><li>1. Are Libraries “inefficient, limited, obsolete” -as portrayed by Mark Hirschey, an American from Kansas? http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/oct/02/libraries_are_limited_obsolete/ </li></ul><ul><li>2. Is there a need for Libraries and Librarians in the electronic age? </li></ul>

4.
The Library’s Perpetual Mission <ul><li>to provide scholarly access to selected relevant information resources, giving high value to the needs and expectations of users. </li></ul><ul><li>this mission encompasses all available media and document formats, both physically available and remotely accessed via the WWW </li></ul><ul><li>This mission is still pursued but nowadays libraries do more than this </li></ul>

5.
Current Perception of the Library: One side of the Coin <ul><li>“ The library’s information provider crown is slipping. … today libraries are increasingly viewed as outdated, with modern, Internet-based services, such as Amazon and Google, looking set to inherit the throne”. </li></ul><ul><ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Source: Chad & Miller. 2005. Do libraries matter: the rise of Library2.0. http://www.talis.com/downloads/white_papers/DoLibrariesMatter.pdf </li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul>

6.
Is there a need for Libraries and Librarians in the electronic age? <ul><li>haunts information management professionals nowadays </li></ul><ul><li>many information sources are now available via the WWW. </li></ul><ul><li>my answer to this is a big YES. So does many librarians and information specialists in the field </li></ul><ul><li>Libraries and librarians are becoming more and more important but there is a need to change </li></ul>

7.
The New Global Library and Information Environment <ul><li>Geometric increase in the quantity of information </li></ul><ul><li>Greater access to a wider range of information sources via the WWW </li></ul><ul><li>Increased speed in acquiring and disseminating information </li></ul><ul><li>Constantly evolving ITs (hardware and software) </li></ul><ul><li>Need for continuous learning for library staff and users </li></ul><ul><li>Need for bigger financial investments to avail of electronic resources </li></ul>

8.
The Information world is undergoing transition <ul><li>From a Library-centered to an information-centered entity </li></ul><ul><li>From a paper-based environment to a predominantly digital interface, i.e. using search engines, online databases, data mining, etc. </li></ul><ul><li>From the Library as an institution to the Library as an information provider with IT skilled specialists functioning in an automated environment </li></ul>

9.
Millennials Represent the New Wave of Information Seekers <ul><li>Students/professionals born from 1981-1999 </li></ul><ul><li>Surrounded by computers and digital media </li></ul><ul><li>Like control, interactivity and convenience </li></ul><ul><li>Comfortable with multitasking and IT </li></ul><ul><li>Confident and have High expectations </li></ul><ul><li>Format-agnostic – do not care what format information is contained but prefer digital sources </li></ul><ul><li>Nomadic – expecting services and resources when and where needed </li></ul><ul><li>Librarians’ ability to link them with information is a measure of our continued relevance </li></ul>

10.
More Transitions in the Info World <ul><li>From utilizing new technology to automate library functions to utilizing IT for the enhancement of information access </li></ul><ul><li>From library networking to wider collaboration with all types of institutions and information professionals, even with politicians. </li></ul><ul><li>From acquisition to access, i.e. instead of purchasing information sources, licenses for remote access are paid for. </li></ul><ul><li>From lack of concern for intellectual property to ethical and judicious use of copyrighted materials </li></ul>

11.
The New Library Version: Just like Web 2.0, there is also a Library 2.0 <ul><li>Library 2.0 visualizes a “very different library service that operates according to expectations of today’s library users. In this vision, the library makes information available wherever and whenever the user requires it”. </li></ul><ul><li>Realizing this vision requires change across a wide range of systems, processes and attitudes. </li></ul>

12.
Principles Governing Library 2.0 <ul><li>The Library is everywhere </li></ul><ul><li>The Library has no barriers </li></ul><ul><li>The Library invites participation </li></ul><ul><li>The Library uses flexible, best-of-breed systems </li></ul>

13.
Library Virtual Presence in 2010 <ul><li>More than the library’s web site </li></ul><ul><li>A web site that is responsive to users’ needs </li></ul><ul><li>Digital collections are in place </li></ul><ul><li>Interactive site where users not only search for information but also collaborate and share ideas </li></ul><ul><li>Every library should have attained Library 2.0 status by 2010 </li></ul>

14.
Traditional Roles of Librarians <ul><li>Custodian – selects, organizes, and services print and other media </li></ul><ul><li>Guide – assists users in searching and critically evaluating relevant information sources. </li></ul><ul><li>Public relations officer – maintains good relationships with management, clients, other libraries, and outside organizations </li></ul>

15.
Role of Librarians in the 21 st century <ul><li>Information Broker for both print and electronic media – Identifies, retrieves, organizes, repackages and provides electronic access to digital information sources </li></ul><ul><li>Change agent, i.e. Technology application leader – collaborates w/ IT Services to design and evaluate systems that would facilitate e-access </li></ul><ul><li>Facilitator – makes access easier, e.g. provides network access, purchases softwares & e-journal licenses </li></ul>

16.
More Roles … <ul><li>Educator – trains clients on Internet use : tools , search engines, online databases and catalogs, electronic journals; use of web-based instruction and online tutorials </li></ul><ul><li>Innovator/Web Site Designer/Builder/Manager - designs the library’s web page and searches and evaluates information resources to be linked to the site; creates an awareness of library services on the web; in some instances manages the organizational web site </li></ul>

17.
And more… <ul><li>Database Manager – Print bibliographies are no longer in use as searching via online databases is faster and more efficient. </li></ul><ul><li>Collaborator – Expanded area of collaboration, not just with fellow librarians but with IT people, the community, etc. </li></ul><ul><li>Policy maker – Develops or participates in the development of an information policy for an organization, ensuring total or selective access to all information resources </li></ul>

18.
And more… <ul><li>Business Manager – negotiates with publishers and aggregators for the most advantageous license agreements for e-journals and databases </li></ul><ul><li>Image Maker – Adds value to the library to gain management support and project a positive image to the outside world </li></ul>

19.
Competencies Needed to Fill the Roles in the Digital Age <ul><li>Competencies are “a combination of skills, knowledge, and behavior patterns vital to organizational success, personal achievement, and career development ”. </li></ul><ul><li>Types: Professional competencies and Personal competencies </li></ul>

20.
Professional Competencies <ul><li>Librarian’s knowledge in the areas of information resources, information access, technology management, and research plus the ability to apply them in providing library and information services. </li></ul>

21.
Professional competencies (from the Special Libraries Association) <ul><li>expert knowledge and familiarity with information resources plus the ability to critically evaluate, filter, and access them. </li></ul><ul><li>specialized subject knowledge appropriate to the needs of the organization or client. </li></ul><ul><li>administrative expertise to create and manage convenient, accessible and cost-effective information services that are aligned with the strategic directions of the organization. </li></ul>

22.
More Professional competencies: Librarians must be able to: <ul><li>4. assess information needs of clients </li></ul><ul><li>5. design and market value-added information services and products to meet identified needs. </li></ul><ul><li>6. apply appropriate information technology to acquire, organize and disseminate information. </li></ul><ul><li>7. use appropriate business and management approaches to communicate the importance of information services to senior management. </li></ul>

23.
More Professional competencies: Librarians must be able to: <ul><li>8. develop specialized information products for use inside or outside the organization </li></ul><ul><li>9. evaluate the outcomes of information use and conduct research to help the solution of information management problems. </li></ul><ul><li>10. continually improve information services in response to the changing needs. </li></ul><ul><li>be an effective member of the senior management team and a consultant to the organization on information issues . </li></ul>

24.
Personal Competencies <ul><li>” a set of skills, attitudes, and values that enables librarians: </li></ul><ul><ul><li>to work efficiently </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>be good communicators </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>to focus on continuing learning throughout their careers </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>to demonstrate the vaue-added nature of their contributions </li></ul></ul><ul><li>to survive in the new [information] world…” </li></ul>

25.
Personal competencies <ul><li>1 . commitment to share knowledge and to service excellence. </li></ul><ul><li>2. ability to face challenges and to see new opportunities both inside and outside the library. </li></ul><ul><li>3. foresight; sees the big picture </li></ul><ul><li>4. strong interest and belief in partnerships and alliances </li></ul>

26.
More Personal Competencies <ul><li>5. ability to create an environment of mutual respect and trust. </li></ul><ul><li>6. effective communication skills </li></ul><ul><li>7. good team work </li></ul><ul><li>8. dynamic leadership </li></ul><ul><li>9. systematic planning and prioritizing skills, with focus on what is critical . </li></ul>

27.
More Personal competencies <ul><li>10. unwavering interest in lifelong learning and personal career planning. </li></ul><ul><li>11. active personal business skills </li></ul><ul><li>12. recognition of the value of professional networking and solidarity. </li></ul><ul><li>13. flexibility and positive attitude in a time of continuing change </li></ul>

28.
Complete Report : <ul><li>Competencies for Special Librarians of the 21st Century/Submitted to the SLA Board of Directors by theSpecial Committee on Competencies for Special Librarians: Joanne Marshall, Chair; Bill Fisher; Lynda Moulton; and Roberta Piccoli </li></ul><ul><li>http://www.sla.org/content/SLA/professional/meaning/competency.cfm </li></ul>

29.
“ Put Your Library Out There”: 10 Steps <ul><li>Communicate … listen to your staff </li></ul><ul><li>Involve staff in planning </li></ul><ul><li>Tell stories … promote the library’s value </li></ul><ul><li>Be transparent … let users and staff know about new plans/projects </li></ul><ul><li>Report and debrief </li></ul>

30.
“ Put Your Library Out There”: 10 Steps <ul><li>6. Do your research … you must be in the know </li></ul><ul><li>7. Manage projects well </li></ul><ul><li>8. Formally convene the emerging technology group </li></ul><ul><li>9. Training 2.0: let everyone play & experience </li></ul><ul><li>10. Celebrate successes </li></ul>

31.
Librarians are More in Demand than Ever in the Digital Age <ul><li>In the 21 st century, we are witnessing an information revolution </li></ul><ul><li>Information needs to be delivered in a timely and preferred manner </li></ul><ul><li>Technology for generating and sharing information is useless, if there’s no way to locate, filter, organize and access it. </li></ul><ul><li>Traditionally librarians are in the forefront of information dissemination and they will continue to be there , but via altered and IT-driven means </li></ul>

32.
Food for thought <ul><li>Are we ready for the challenges </li></ul><ul><li>of the digital age? </li></ul>

33.
<ul><li>“ It’s a great time to be a Librarian” </li></ul><ul><li> - W.Lee Hisle, Vice Pres,. For Information Services and Librarian, Connecticut College, USA (Library Connect 4(2):6. 2006) </li></ul><ul><li>Thank You. </li></ul>